MAZAR-I-SHARIF, Afghanistan, Sept 6, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Four men have died of 
gas asphyxiation in a coal mine in northeastern Afghanistan, the information 
department of Baghlan province reported on Sunday.

The accident occurred at a mine in Tala Wa Barfak that "did not meet 
standards" for safety, department head Sayed Mustafa Hashimi told AFP.

The men "were extracting coal when an accident unfortunately took place. They 
suffocated due to gas and died", he said.

Afghanistan's mining industry is poorly regulated, and fatal accidents are 
common.

In addition to coal, Afghanistan also mines marble, minerals, gold and 
precious stones.

In July last year, six miners were killed and 18 were injured in a coal mine 
collapse in Baghlan.