Mumbai: A devastating gas explosion at a coal mine in Iran’s South Khorasan Province has claimed the lives of at least 51 miners and injured 20 others, according to state media. The explosion, which occurred in blocks B and C of a mine operated by the Madanjoo company, was triggered by a buildup of methane gas.
The accident took place at around 9 p.m. local time (1730 GMT) on Saturday night, affecting 69 workers who were present in the mine at the time. Rescue operations in block B have been completed, where 30 miners tragically lost their lives and 17 were injured, according to the provincial governor, Ali Akbar Rahimi. Efforts to rescue workers in block C are ongoing, though complicated by the high concentration of methane gas in the area. Rescue teams estimate it will take 3-4 hours to safely clear the remaining section.
Seventeen of the injured workers have been transported to nearby hospitals, while 24 others remain missing. The Red Crescent of Iran is actively involved in the rescue and relief efforts, state TV reported.
Governor Rahimi highlighted the importance of the coal mines in the region, stating that 76% of the nation’s coal is produced in South Khorasan, with around 8 to 10 large companies, including Madanjoo, operating in the area.
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed his condolences to the victims’ families, reassuring the public that authorities are working diligently to manage the aftermath of the disaster. “I spoke with ministers, and we will do our best to follow up,” President Pezeshkian said in a televised statement.
Rescue teams continue to fight against time and hazardous conditions to save those still trapped in block C.
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