Incident occurred in Nangabad Darang area of Rustam during mining activities, worker still missing
At least nine people were killed and three others injured in an explosion during mining operations in Palodheri Hills of Rustam in Mardan district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
Rescue 1122 spokesperson Abbas Khan said The Express PK Press Club that the An incident occurred in the Nangabad Darang area of Rustam during mining activities, causing a landslide and burying 12 to 14 workers under the rubble.
He said Rescue 1122 immediately alerted all relevant departments for emergency response, adding that seven ambulances, one disaster response vehicle and one excavator were deployed for the rescue operation.
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He said rescue teams had so far recovered 12 people from the rubble, including nine dead and three injured, while at least one person was still missing.
The injured received first medical treatment before being transferred to hospitals, with rescue operations underway.
KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi took note of the accident and expressed grief over the loss of lives. He extended his sincere condolences to the families of the deceased and offered his prayers for the deceased.
The chief minister asked the district administration and relief agencies to expedite the ongoing operation and ordered an investigation into the causes of the incident to strengthen safety measures, with emphasis on strict adherence to safety and security protocols to avoid similar accidents.
Special Assistant on Information Shafi Jan expressed regret over the tragedy, offering condolences to the families of the deceased workers.
Governor Faisal Karim Kundi also expressed grief over the deaths and urged the district administration to ensure strict adherence to safety protocols for workers during mining operations.
