A gas explosion in a coal mine in Iran’s South Khorasan Province resulted in the deaths of at least 51 people and injuries to 20 others, according to state media reports. The incident was caused by a methane gas explosion in two blocks, B and C, of the mine operated by the Madanjoo company. The governor of South Khorasan Province, Ali Akbar Rahimi, stated that the region provides a significant portion of the country’s coal supply, with several major companies operating there.
Rescue operations in block B have been completed, with 30 deaths and 17 injuries reported among the 47 workers in the block. Rescue efforts have now shifted to block C, where high methane density is expected to prolong the operation for several hours. State TV reported that there were 69 workers in the mine at the time of the explosion, with 24 individuals still missing.
President Masoud Pezeshkian offered condolences to the families of the victims and assured that the government would make every effort to address the situation. The explosion took place on Saturday evening, with state media reporting on the ongoing rescue operations and the status of the injured and missing workers. The incident highlights the dangers faced by workers in the mining industry and underscores the need for effective safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
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