Committee formed to investigate Rustam mine blast

PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Apr, 2026) The district administration has formed a special investigation committee to probe a deadly explosion that occurred during mining operations in Palu Dheri area of Tehsil Rustam, Mardan claiming lives of at least eight labourers on March 31.

According to an official notification issued by the Deputy Commissioner’s office on Monday, the committee has been directed to submit its report within two weeks.

The notification acknowledged that similar incidents have occurred in the past, highlighting serious gaps in safety measures within the mining sector.

The 8-member committee has been constituted to determine the facts surrounding the incident. The Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Mardan will serve as the chairman, while the Additional Assistant Commissioner Rustam has been appointed member and secretary. Other members include the DSP Rustam, Medical Superintendent of Tehsil Headquarters Hospital Rustam, Assistant Director Mines and Minerals Mardan, Assistant Director Labor Mardan, and a representative from Rescue 1122. The chairman has also been authorized to include technical experts from the private sector if required.

The committee has been given broad terms of reference. It will investigate the causes of the explosion, activities at the time of the incident, the number and deployment of workers, geological and technical factors, compliance with lease terms and relevant laws, the effectiveness of the inspection system and the implementation of safety measures.

In addition, the committee will review the timeliness of emergency response efforts and identify any obstacles faced during rescue operations. Past complaints and warnings related to the site will also be examined.

The committee is empowered to identify those responsible based on evidence and recommend legal action against them. It may also suggest suspension or cancellation of mining leases and compensation for the families of deceased workers.

Furthermore, the administration has announced plans to develop a comprehensive safety framework for mining activities across the district. This includes an emergency response protocol and a mandatory safety management plan template to prevent future incidents.

Authorities have immediately suspended all mining activities at the site until rescue operations are completed. Instructions have also been issued to secure the area and preserve all relevant records, including blasting data, worker attendance, wage details, lease documents, inspection reports and medical records, to ensure transparency in the investigation.

All relevant government departments, leaseholders and individuals have been directed to fully cooperate with the investigation committee.

It is worth noting that the tragic incident, which occurred on March 31, claimed the lives of eight miners and left three others seriously injured.