Islamabad: At least eight miners have died of gas suffocation inside a coal mine in Pakistan's mineral-rich province of Balochistan, officials said on Friday.
Eight miners were trapped inside the coal mine in Duki area of Loralai after it caved in last evening following a huge explosion.
One miner died of suffocation yesterday by inhaling toxic gas, however, seven remained trapped inside the coal mine for more than 24 hours and died of suffocation earlier today after rescue teams called in from Quetta failed to retrieve them.
A team of 11 miners was sent to rescue the trapped miners, however, they fell unconscious as they entered the mine after which they were themselves rescued, the official said.
The strife-torn province of Balochistan, although rich in minerals and coal mines, remains one of Pakistan's most poor and backward region.
Mine accidents are common in Balochistan as most of the mines are operated through old methods without taking into consideration the modern safety techniques.
