The death toll from a coal mine explosion in Iran’s South Khorasan Province has risen to 51, according to state media reports on Sunday. The explosion, caused by methane gas, occurred in two sections of the mine operated by the Madanjoo company. Initially, the death toll was reported at 19, but it has since been revised multiple times as more victims succumbed to their injuries.
In addition to the fatalities, at least 20 miners were injured, with 17 transported to the hospital. Rescue operations have been completed in block B of the mine, where 30 workers lost their lives and 17 were injured. Efforts to rescue those trapped in block C are ongoing, although high methane levels are hampering progress.
At the time of the explosion, 69 workers were present in the affected blocks. Iran’s Red Crescent reported that 24 miners remain missing.
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed condolences to the victims’ families and assured that the government is actively involved in relief efforts. Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iran also offered condolences, expressing solidarity with the Iranian people and praying for the quick recovery of the injured.
