Over 50 killed in Iran coal mine blast

An explosion at a mine in eastern Iran has killed at least 51 people and injured 20, Iranian state television reported, adding that several workers were still trapped.

The blast took place due to a methane gas leak at a coal mine run by the Madanjoo company in Tabas, some 540km (335 miles) southeast of the capital, Tehran, the IRNA news agency said on Sunday.

At least 69 people were working in two blocks, B and C, of the mine when the sudden gas leak occurred at 9:00pm (1730 GMT) on Saturday, according to the report.

The rescue operation in block B has been completed. Of the 47 workers who were in the block 30 died and 17 were injured, the governor of South Khorasan Province Ali Akbar Rahimi told state TV.

Rescue operations in block C have started, he said, adding that methane density in the block is high and the operation will take around three-four hours.

“76 percent of the country’s coal is provided from this region and around 8 to 10 big companies are working in the region…,” Rahimi said.

10:15

A methane leak sparked an explosion at a coal mine in eastern Iran, killing at least 30 people and injuring 17 others, Iranian state media reported Sunday. Another 24 miners are believed to be trapped inside.

Report informs via AP that deaths happened at a coal mine in Tabas, some 540 kilometers (335 miles) southeast of the capital, Tehran.

Authorities were sending emergency personnel to the area after the blast late Saturday, it said. Around 70 people had been working there at the time of the blast. State TV later said 24 were believed to be trapped inside.

Provincial Governor Mohammad Javad Qenaat told state TV that 30 miners had been killed and 17 injured.

Iran’s new reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian, preparing to travel to New York for the United Nations General Assembly, said he ordered all efforts be made to rescue those trapped and aid their families. He also said an investigation into the incident had begun.