Gas explosion at Iran coal mine kills 51, rescue operations underway.
A coal mine gas explosion in Iran’s South Khorasan province has claimed 51 lives, leaving 20 others injured, state media reported on Sunday. The accident occurred late on Saturday in two blocks of the Madanjoo company mine due to a methane explosion.
Over 70 laborers were underground at the time of the blast. Rescue efforts in block B have been completed after 30 fatalities and 17 injuries.
Operations are currently underway in methane-filled block C which may take 3-4 hours given risks, informed provincial governor Ali Akbar Rahimi.
State TV reported 24 miners were still trapped and 17 injured were rushed to hospitals. Red Crescent said the death count may rise. South Khorasan supplies 76% of Iran’s coal demand through nearly 10 companies working in the region.
President Masoud Pezeshkian extended condolences and directed authorities to expedite rescue and relief activities.
Emergency services were dispatched overnight after the blast at 9 pm local time. The incident brings focus to mine safety standards in the coal-rich zone.
