Inquiry Finds Coal Mine Owner, Contractor, Manager, and Engineer Responsible for Quetta Gas Explosion that Killed 12 Miners

Quetta:An inquiry into the tragic gas explosion at a coal mine in the Sanjdi area of Quetta, which resulted in the death of twelve miners earlier this year, has concluded. The inquiry committee, headed by former Inspector Mines Amjad Hussain Shah, has found the owner, contractor, manager, and engineer of the mine responsible for the incident.

The explosion occurred on January 9, 2025, when methane gas filled the mine, leading to the deadly blast. Following the incident, the provincial government formed a Court of Inquiry under the leadership of Amjad Hussain Shah to investigate the causes of the explosion and hold those responsible accountable.

According to officials from the Minerals Department, the inquiry report has now been completed and submitted to the department. The report holds the mine’s owner, contractor, manager, and engineer accountable for the explosion, citing negligence and failure to ensure safety standards in the mine.

The Secretary of the Minerals Department is expected to present the report to the Chief Minister of Balochistan, Sardar Mir Jan Mohammad Bizenjo, for his approval. After the Chief Minister’s approval, the report will be submitted to the court for further legal action.

The tragic incident has raised serious concerns about the safety standards and working conditions in Balochistan’s mining sector, particularly in coal mines where such accidents are not uncommon. The families of the deceased miners have called for justice and stricter enforcement of safety regulations to prevent future accidents.