SHANGLA: Two labourers have died in separate workplace accidents in Shangla district within three days, highlighting the serious safety risks faced by workers in a region where an estimated 66 percent of the population depends directly or indirectly on mining for its livelihood.
The latest incident occurred on Tuesday in the Palangay Kotkay area of Martung tehsil, where a labourer identified as Siddiqullah was killed after a mass of mud collapsed on him while he was working inside a well.
A separate incident occurred on Sunday in the Sondia area of Chakesar tehsil, where another labourer died after being buried under debris inside a mine.
Rescue 1122 Shangla teams, working alongside local residents and the relevant administration, recovered both bodies and handed them over to the deceased workers’ families.
Labourer Killed in Martung Well Collapse
According to the available information, Rescue 1122’s Disaster Response Team reached the Palangay Kotkay area after receiving reports of the accident on Tuesday.
Rescue personnel launched an operation with assistance from local residents and the administration. After considerable efforts, they recovered Siddiqullah’s body from beneath the debris and handed it over to his family.
Body Recovered After Chakesar Mine Accident
The first incident took place on Sunday in the Sondia area of Chakesar tehsil, where a labourer became trapped beneath debris inside a mine.
Following the report, Rescue 1122 personnel arrived at the site and began rescue operations. The Chakesar Tehsil Municipal Administration, tehsil administration, local residents and Chakesar Police also assisted in the operation.
After sustained efforts, rescuers recovered the labourer’s body and transported it to the Tehsil Headquarters Hospital in Chakesar. Following the necessary procedures, the body was handed over to the deceased’s family.
Mining Supports Most of Shangla’s Livelihoods
The two deaths have renewed concerns about working conditions in Shangla, where mining provides a livelihood for thousands of families.
The district is known for its marble and other mineral resources, and many residents work in mines both within Shangla and in other parts of the country. Limited local employment opportunities have led many labourers to undertake physically demanding and hazardous work to support their families.
According to local data cited in the report, approximately 66 percent of Shangla’s population depends directly or indirectly on mining-related employment.
Many workers reportedly operate without adequate safety equipment, training and protective measures, increasing their exposure to workplace accidents.
In previous incidents, miners from Shangla have lost their lives in accidents in other parts of the country, with their bodies subsequently transported to their native areas. The latest incidents occurred at two separate locations within the district itself, further highlighting the importance of workplace safety.
Calls for Safety Measures and Compensation
Local residents, social groups and labour organisations have urged the district administration, Labour Department and other relevant authorities to strengthen safety arrangements at mines, wells and other hazardous workplaces.
Their demands include:
Making appropriate safety equipment compulsory for workers.
Providing regular safety training for labourers.
Conducting routine inspections of dangerous workplaces.
Improving protective arrangements to prevent fatal accidents.
Announcing compensation packages and financial assistance for the families of deceased workers.
The deaths have also created significant financial hardship for the affected households, as labourers are often the sole breadwinners for their families.
Meanwhile, Rescue 1122 Shangla said its teams remained prepared to respond to emergencies and would continue providing assistance to people in difficult circumstances.