According to the official IRNA news agency, “the number of deceased workers has risen to 51” from an earlier figure of 30 following the incident at the Tabas mine in eastern Iran. The report also noted that 20 additional individuals sustained injuries.
The explosion occurred at approximately 9 PM (1730 GMT) on Saturday, with around 70 workers present at the site in South Khorasan province, as stated by IRNA.
The report indicated that a methane gas leak triggered the blast across two sections of the mine, which is operated by the private Iranian company Madanjoo.
State television aired footage showing ambulances and helicopters arriving in Tabas to transport the injured to medical facilities.
Video footage shared by IRNA depicted the bodies of some victims, dressed in their work uniforms, being removed from the site using mining carts.
South Khorasan Governor Javad Ghenaat informed state TV that rescue teams were actively engaged in recovering the remaining bodies.
Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, who was en route to Tabas, suggested that a “gas condensation” incident in the mine likely caused the explosion.
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian, in statements broadcast by state TV prior to his departure for the UN General Assembly in New York, expressed condolences to the victims' families and mandated an investigation into the tragic event.
Regrettably, we learned of an accident occurring in one of the coal mines in Tabas, resulting in the loss of several compatriots’ lives. I extend my condolences to their esteemed families, Pezeshkian remarked.
His first vice president, Mohammad Reza Aref, communicated with cabinet members to ensure “emergency follow-up” and assistance for the victims and their families, according to IRNA.
Local media reported that authorities have declared three days of public mourning in the eastern province following the explosion.
Trapped
Iran’s Red Crescent reported that search and rescue efforts are ongoing at the mine, where several workers remain trapped.
As stated by IRNA, these workers are located approximately 250 meters underground, isolated from rescuers due to chambers filled with concentrated methane gas.
Local prosecutor Ali Nesaei mentioned to IRNA that the “accumulation of gas in the mine” has hindered rescue operations.
The immediate focus is on assisting the injured and extracting individuals from beneath the debris, Nesaei remarked.
He also noted that “the accountability and negligence of the responsible parties will be addressed” at a later time.
In a similar incident last year, an explosion at a coal mine in Damghan, located in northern Iran, resulted in the deaths of six individuals, likely caused by a methane leak, according to local reports.
The Tabas mine spans over 30,000 square kilometers and is said to contain substantial reserves of coking and thermal coal, as reported by IRNA. It is described as the richest and largest coal region in Iran.
PM offers condolences
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif conveyed profound sorrow and grief on Sunday regarding the tragic loss of lives resulting from the mine explosion.
Currently in London, PM Shehbaz extended his sincere condolences to President Pezeshkian and the Iranian populace affected by the fatalities and injuries caused by the coal mine explosion.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. Pakistan stands with its Iranian brethren during this time, the prime minister stated on his official X timeline.
