QUETTA(National Times)- Two coal miners were killed and four others found unconscious in a coal mine in the Duki coalfield on Sunday, officials said.

The miners were working deep inside the mine in the Thandk area of Duki when poisonous gas accumulated, affecting six workers, the officials said, adding that the two miners died after inhaling toxic methane gas.

The deceased were identified as Mohabbatullah and Rumi Muhammad.

By the time rescue workers reached them during the search operation, four other miners were found unconscious.

They were recovered from the mine and shifted to District Headquarters Hospital, Duki.

The affected mine was closed following the incident, and an investigation is underway.

Assistance provided to miners’ families

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Sunday distributed assistance cheques for Rs2 million each among bereaved families of 34 coal mine workers who lost their lives in the tragic coal mine incident near Quetta on July 30.

The cheques were distributed in Shangla, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, by the NDMA team in coordination with local representative Dr Ibadullah Khan.

PM Shehbaz Sharif had directed the NDMA to provide the financial assistance to families of the victims of the tragic coal-mine incident.

The assistance reflects the federal government’s solidarity with the bereaved families and its commitment to extending support to affected communities and ensuring the safety and welfare of workers engaged in high-risk sectors.