ISLAMABAD (TDI): At least 51 coal miners died of suffocation after methane gas caused huge explosion at a privately-owned coal mine in Iran’s eastern province of South Khorasan.
This incident marks one of the country’s deadliest workplace accidents in recent years. The explosion occurred around 9:00 PM local time, when approximately 70 workers were present at the Madanjoo-owned mine.
Iran’s Coal Mine Explosion
Initial reports indicated 31 deaths, but the toll was later revised as rescue operations continued.
Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni confirmed that 17 miners are still unaccounted for, with rescuers working to reach them, approximately 400 meters away from the explosion site.
The blast damaged two blocks of the mine, which was operating at a depth of about 250 meters.
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Rescue efforts have been hampered by chambers filled with methane gas, and authorities suspect gas condensation may have triggered the explosion.
Footage from the scene showed rescuers retrieving the bodies of victims, many still in their work clothes.
Governor Javad Ghenaat stated that teams are actively searching for the remaining trapped miners, with hopes that operations could continue into the following day.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei expressed his condolences over the “sad accident” and urged for all possible measures to save those still trapped.
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President Masoud Pezeshkian also extended his sympathies to the victims’ families, acknowledging the tragedy before departing for the UN General Assembly in New York.
