A gas explosion at a coal mine in Iran’s South Khorasan Province has killed at least 30 people and injured 17 others, state television reported on Sunday. Another 24 workers remain missing.
The blast, triggered by a methane gas explosion, occurred in two sections of the mine operated by the Madanjoo company, according to state media. At the time of the explosion, 69 miners were working in the affected areas.
“Seventeen injured workers have been transported to the hospital, while 24 others are still unaccounted for,” Iran’s Red Crescent director told state television.
The explosion happened at 9 p.m. local time on Saturday, state media said.
President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed his condolences to the victims’ families in a televised statement. “I have spoken with the relevant ministers, and we will do everything in our power to address this tragedy,” he said.
