Iran Coal Mine Explosion Kills at Least 51, Injures 20

A methane gas explosion at a coal mine in Iran’s South Khorasan Province has claimed the lives of at least 51 people and injured 20, CNN reports, citing Iranian state media.

The accident occurred at 9 p.m. local time on Saturday in two blocks, B and C, of the mine operated by the Madanjoo company.

Rescue efforts have concluded in block B, where 30 miners died and 17 were injured. Operations are currently underway in block C, where methane density remains high. Officials estimate the rescue operation will take 3-4 hours.

There were a total of 69 workers present at the time of the explosion. While 17 injured individuals have been transported to the hospital, 24 remain missing.

South Khorasan Province Governor Ali Akbar Rahimi stressed the importance of the region in Iran’s coal production, stating that “76% of the country’s coal is provided from this region,” with around 8 to 10 major companies operating in the area.

President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and assured them of the government’s commitment to addressing the incident.

“I spoke with ministers and we will do our best to follow up,” he said in televised comments.