A gas leak explosion at a coal mine in Iran’s South Khorasan province has killed at least 51 people and injured 20 others, state media reported on Sunday, marking one of the deadliest work accidents in the country in years.
The blast occurred at the Tabas mine around 9:00 pm on Saturday when approximately 70 workers were present.
The explosion, caused by a methane gas leak, affected two blocks of the privately owned mine, according to the official IRNA news agency.
Rescue teams are working to recover bodies, while ambulances and helicopters transported the injured to nearby hospitals.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian offered his condolences to the families of the victims and ordered a full investigation into the incident before departing for the UN General Assembly in New York.
Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref is coordinating emergency support for the victims and their families.
