Deadly Methane Blast in Iranian Coal Mine Claims 30 Lives

A methane leak explosion at a coal mine in Tabas, Iran, has resulted in at least 30 deaths and 17 injuries. With 24 miners still trapped, rescue efforts are underway. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has initiated an investigation. The incident highlights ongoing safety issues in Iran's mining sector.

A devastating methane leak sparked a catastrophic explosion at a coal mine in eastern Iran, claiming the lives of at least 30 people and injuring 17 others, state media reported Sunday. The explosion occurred at a mine in Tabas, approximately 540 kilometers southeast of Tehran.

Authorities have rushed emergency personnel to the scene, as 24 additional miners are believed to be trapped underground following the late Saturday blast. Reports indicate that around 70 miners were working at the time of the explosion.

Provincial Governor Mohammad Javad Qenaat confirmed the death toll and the number of injuries to state TV. Meanwhile, Iran's newly appointed reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian, preparing for his upcoming trip to the United Nations General Assembly in New York, has directed all available resources toward rescuing the trapped miners and supporting their families. He has also called for an immediate investigation into the incident.

Iran, a nation rich in minerals, has a troubling history of mining disasters. Previous incidents in 2013, 2009, and 2017 have collectively claimed dozens of lives. Critics often blame lax safety standards and insufficient emergency services for the high casualty rates in the country's mining sector.

(With inputs from agencies.)