Peshawar:Two coal miners from Shangla were killed in a mining accident in the Akhorwal area of Darra Adam Khel, Kohat, with local residents calling for an investigation into the incident and improved safety measures for mine workers.
The deceased were identified as Zareen Taj, son of Fazal Karim, a resident of Banda Daulat, Alpuri, and Muhammad Qayyum, son of Muhammad Zaman, from Chachlo village, Union Council Ranial, Alpuri.
The two men were working inside the coal mine when the accident occurred. Rescue teams, fellow miners and relevant personnel launched an operation after receiving information about the incident and recovered the bodies from deep inside the mine.
The bodies were subsequently sent to their native areas in Shangla after completion of necessary legal formalities and documentation.
The incident has once again highlighted the risks faced by workers from Shangla, where limited local employment opportunities have pushed many young people to seek work in coal mines and other labour-intensive sectors outside the district.
Local elders and community members urged the federal and provincial governments to create more employment opportunities in Shangla, promote local industries and tourism, and ensure that communities benefit from the district’s mineral resources.