A coal mine explosion in eastern Iran killed at least 51 laborers and imprisoned scores more. Methane gas leaked in the Madanjoo coal mine in Tabas, 540 kilometers southeast of Tehran. Approximately 69 miners were in the mine when the bomb occurred Saturday night at 9:00 PM local time.
Rescues have had mixed results. Thirty miners died and 17 were injured in mining block B with 47 workers. This block’s rescue operation is complete; however, block C’s high methane levels require ongoing operations. Local officials predict rescuers may require several hours to securely approach and find trapped miners.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has ordered swift rescue efforts and an investigation into the catastrophe. Iran’s mining industry has had comparable disasters, emphasizing safety and emergency response difficulties.
As Iran deals with this latest mining accident, workers’ safety and industry reform remain top priorities. The victims’ families await news while the nation mourns the loss of life in a vital economic sector.
Image Credits: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cm24jn02j0qo
