At least 51 people killed, 20 others injured in explosion at eastern Iran coal mine

An explosion in a coal mine in eastern Iran has resulted in the deaths of at least 51 individuals and injured another 20, as reported by Iranian state television, which also noted that many workers are feared to be trapped.

The blast occurred due to a methane gas leak at a coal mine in Tabas, located approximately 540 km (335 miles) southeast of Tehran.

Mohammad-Ali Akhondi, the director general of the provincial crisis management department, stated on Sunday that the incident resulted from a methane gas explosion in two sections of the mine on Saturday night.

At least 51 workers suffocated due to the sudden release of methane and carbon monoxide, he noted, adding that the death toll may rise as rescue operations face significant challenges due to the conditions underground.

A rapid rescue operation is emphasised, the official remarked, “but the reality is that it is a difficult task to rescue the injured from a depth of 700 meters diagonally and 250 meters vertically underground.”

At least 69 miners were working in one of the mine's tunnels when the unexpected gas leak happened on Saturday night. Subsequent reports indicated that 24 workers were believed to be trapped inside, while 28 others were taken to hospital for medical attention.

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian, who was preparing to depart for New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly, stated that he has ordered all possible measures to be taken to rescue those trapped and support their families. He also mentioned that an investigation into the incident has commenced.

This is not the first tragedy to affect Iran's mining sector. Mine accidents in Iran are common, largely due to inadequate infrastructure and a lack of safety.

In 2017, a coal mine explosion claimed at least 42 lives. In 2013, two separate mining incidents resulted in the deaths of 11 workers, and in 2009, several incidents killed at least 20 miners.