Four workers trapped at a depth of 900 feet were successfully rescued after a section of an emerald mine collapsed on Wednesday in Swat.
Rescue 1122 reported on Thursday that the incident occurred on Wednesday evening, prompting the launch of a large-scale rescue operation. The collapse of a portion of the emerald mine caused several workers to become trapped underground. According to preliminary information from Rescue 1122 Swat, the collapse occurred during excavation work.
Bilal Ahmed Faizi, spokesperson for Rescue 1122, said that medical teams immediately provided first aid to the rescued workers. He said, “The operation continued for several hours after the collapse, involving more than 40 personnel.”
The rescue operation was led by Swat District Emergency Officer Rafiullah Marwat.
According to Faizi, the success of the operation was made possible by the trained staff of Rescue 1122 and the use of modern equipment.
Emerald mining in Swat’s lush green mountains has long faced criticism due to poor regulation and lack of oversight, which frequently puts the lives of miners at severe risk.
This recent incident once again underscores the urgent need for standardized safety procedures and proper training for mine workers in the region.
Over the past decade, the mining industry in Swat has seen rapid expansion, with nearly 350 crushing plants established along the 240-kilometer stretch from Kalam to Kanju along the riverbank.
