At least 51 miners have lost their lives due to a gas leak explosion at the Tabas coal mine in eastern Iran.
The disaster, reported by state media on Sunday, is one of the deadliest workplace accidents in recent years.
Initial reports indicated a death toll of 30, but this figure was updated as rescue operations unfolded.
The explosion occurred around 9:00 PM local time on Saturday night, with approximately 70 miners present at the site in South Khorasan province, according to the official IRNA news agency.
A methane gas leak is believed to have triggered the blast, which impacted two sections of the mine owned by the private Iranian firm Madanjoo.
Emerging details highlight the dire aftermath of the explosion, as footage aired on state TV showed ambulances and helicopters rushing to the scene to transport injured workers to hospital.
At least 20 individuals sustained injuries from the blast. Graphic online videos depicted rescuers recovering the bodies of victims, still clad in their work uniforms, extracted via mining carts.
In response to the catastrophe, South Khorasan Governor Javad Ghenaat confirmed that rescue teams were diligently working to locate any remaining victims trapped within the mine’s rubble. The tragedy has triggered an outpouring of grief across the nation.
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian, who is set to attend the UN General Assembly in New York, extended his condolences to the victims’ families and called for an immediate investigation into the deadly incident.
“It is unfortunate that such an accident occurred, and I offer my deepest sympathies to the affected families,” he stated.
The first vice president, Mohammad Reza Aref, assured cabinet members that emergency measures would be enacted to support those impacted by the disaster.
As the investigation begins, the incident raises urgent questions about safety protocols within Iran’s mining sector, highlighting the need for improvements to prevent such devastating accidents in the future.
For ongoing updates on this tragic event, follow local news sources and the Iranian government’s official announcements.
