- At least 51 dead in Iran coal mine explosion
- More than 20 others injured
- The explosion is believed to have been triggered by methane gas
At least 51 dead in Iran coal mine explosion
A gas explosion at a coal mine in eastern Iran has claimed the lives of at least 51 workers, according to state media reports on Sunday. The blast, which occurred in South Khorasan province, left more than 20 others injured.
The explosion, believed to have been triggered by methane gas, took place in two sections of the Madanjoo mine located in Tabas, roughly 540 kilometres southeast of Tehran.
South Khorasan’s governor, Javad Ghenaatzadeh, revealed that 69 miners were working at the time of the explosion, with 22 in block C and 47 in block B. It’s still unclear how many miners remain trapped inside the mine and if there are any survivors.
Initially, authorities reported 30 fatalities, but this number was later updated to 51. The Iranian Red Crescent stated that 24 workers were still unaccounted for, as rescue efforts continue.
