Deadly Blast Hits Iranian Coal Mine, Toll Rises to 30
Accident reportedly caused by methane gas explosion in blocks B and C of mine
A tragic gas explosion in a coal mine in Iran’s South Khorasan Province has resulted in at least 30 fatalities and left 17 others injured, according to state television reports on Sunday. This marks a revision from an earlier toll of 19 dead, with an additional 24 individuals still unaccounted for.
The incident was attributed to a methane gas explosion that occurred in two sections of the mine operated by the Madanjoo company. At the time of the explosion, 69 workers were present in the affected areas.
The explosion took place at 9 PM local time (1730 GMT) on Saturday. Emergency services have reported that the 17 injured workers were swiftly transported to local hospitals.
President Masoud Pezeshkian extended his condolences to the families of the victims and assured that the government will closely monitor the situation. “I have spoken with ministers, and we will do our utmost to provide support and follow up on this tragic event,” he stated in televised remarks.
Rescue operations are ongoing as authorities continue to search for the missing workers.
