Iran Mine Blast Kills Over 50 Workers

AFP/APP

Tehran: A devastating explosion caused by a gas leak at a coal mine in Iran has claimed the lives of at least 51 workers, marking one of the country’s deadliest industrial accidents in recent years, state media reported Sunday.

“The number of dead workers increased to 51,” reported the official IRNA news agency, revising an earlier death toll of 30. The explosion occurred on Saturday evening at around 9:00 pm (1730 GMT) in the Tabas mine, located in South Khorasan province, when approximately 70 workers were present at the site.

In addition to the fatalities, 20 workers were injured in the blast.

The explosion was triggered by a methane gas leak in two sections of the mine, which is privately owned by the Iranian firm Madanjoo. Rescue efforts are ongoing to recover the remaining bodies, according to South Khorasan governor Javad Ghenaat.

Footage broadcasted by state TV showed ambulances and helicopters at the scene, transporting the injured to local hospitals. Videos circulated by IRNA depicted victims being removed from the site in mining carts, still dressed in their work uniforms.

Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, who is traveling to Tabas, stated that a “gas condensation” in the mine is believed to have caused the deadly explosion.

President Masoud Pezeshkian, before departing for the UN General Assembly in New York, extended his condolences to the victims’ families and ordered an immediate investigation into the incident. 

“Unfortunately, we learned that an accident occurred in one of the coal mines in Tabas and a number of our compatriots lost their lives. I offer my condolences to their respected families,” Pezeshkian said.

The Iranian authorities have announced three days of public mourning in the eastern province.