Four workers trapped 900 feet under ground in an Esmeralda Swat mine were rescued during an operation, 1122 said Thursday.
On Wednesday night, an important rescue operation was launched after a section of the Emerald mine collapsed, catching several workers underground. According to the initial reports of Rescue 1122 Swat, the mine suddenly yielded during the extraction activity.
“1122 rescue teams are providing immediate medical assistance to rescued workers,” Faizi told Dawn.com. “The operation continued for several hours after the mine collapsed, in which more than 40 staff members participated.”
The rescue operation was directed by the emergency officer of the Swat Rafiullah Marwat district, according to Faizi.
“The trained staff and the modern 1122 rescue team made the operation successful,” Faizi said.
Mining in the lush Swat mountains, particularly for emeralds, has been criticized for poor regulation and inappropriate supervision, often putting the lives of workers at serious risk.
The current incident has once again called the pressing need of standardized security frameworks and adequate training for mines workers in the region.
During the last decade, the mining industry in Swat has seen a boom, with around 350 crushing plants established along the 240 km long road, from Kalam to Kanju downstream.
In November, two workers were killed after the elevator in a collapsed emerald mine. The tragic incident occurred when an elevator rope broke, which caused two workers to fall into their death.
