At Least 31 Dead in Iran Coal Mine Blast, Reports Reuters

DUBAI (Reuters) – A gas explosion at a coal mine in South Khorasan Province, Iran, has resulted in the deaths of at least 31 individuals and injuries to 16 others, according to Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni.

Initial reports earlier on Sunday indicated that the incident, attributed to a methane gas explosion, had claimed 51 lives in two sections, B and C, of the privately-operated mine by the Madanjoo company.

Momeni also noted that there are 17 miners unaccounted for, with rescue teams still approximately 400 meters away from where they are believed to be. They are anticipated to reach the site by the following day as efforts continue to clear debris and manage gas levels.

At the time of the explosion, there were 69 workers present in the affected blocks, as reported by state television.

The governor of South Khorasan Province, Ali Akbar Rahimi, stated that this region supplies 76% of the country’s coal, hosting around 8 to 10 major companies, including Madanjoo.

Labour Minister Ahmad Meydari emphasized that the mine had undergone inspections the previous month and adhered to all safety regulations, rejecting any claims of negligence. He asserted that such incidents can occur even in the most advanced mining operations worldwide.

An investigation into the matter has been initiated by the public prosecutor’s office.

The explosion was reported to have occurred on Saturday at 9 p.m. local time (1730 GMT).

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed their condolences to the families of the victims.