Explosion in Iran coal mine kills 30
The governor of South Khorasan province, Javad Ghenat, told state television that rescue teams were working to save 22 trapped workers.
KATHMANDU: At least 30 people have died, and over 20 others are unaccounted for after a gas leak explosion in a coal mine in eastern Iran.
“The death toll from the Tabas mine accident has risen to 30,” reported the state news agency IRNA, quoting government officials. Earlier reports had indicated 19 fatalities.
The governor of South Khorasan province, Javad Ghenat, told state television that rescue teams were working to save 22 trapped workers.
IRNA reported that the explosion, which occurred at around 9:00 PM local time on Saturday, also left 17 people injured.
The explosion was said to have been caused by a methane gas leak in two blocks of the mine.
State television aired footage showing ambulances and helicopters arriving at the site to transport the injured to hospitals.
Online footage released by IRNA showed bodies of some victims being carried out of the mine on trolleys.
Before departing for the United Nations General Assembly in New York, President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed the nation on state television, expressing his condolences to the victims’ families and ordering an investigation into the incident.
“Unfortunately, a tragic accident has occurred at a coal mine in Tabas, and many of our loved ones have lost their lives. I express my condolences to their families,” President Pezeshkian said.
Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref has been in talks with cabinet members to ensure emergency follow-up and support for the victims and their families, IRNA reported.
Iran’s Red Crescent stated that search and rescue operations are ongoing, with several workers still trapped inside the mine.
Local prosecutor Ali Nasei told IRNA that gas accumulation in the mine was complicating the rescue efforts.
“Our priority now is to assist the injured and rescue people from the rubble,” Nasei said.
He added that there would be an investigation into any possible negligence or errors by the relevant authorities or mine officials.
Last year, six people died in an explosion at a coal mine in the northern city of Damghan, and in May 2021, two workers died in another incident at the same site.
In 2017, an explosion in a mine in the northern city of Azadshahr killed 43 workers.
