By A devastating explosion in a coal mine in eastern Iran has claimed the lives of at least 51 workers and injured more than a dozen others, officials reported on Sunday. The disaster, one of the worst in Iran’s mining history, occurred Saturday night at the Tabas Parvadeh 5 mine, located approximately 540 kilometers (335 miles) southeast of Tehran.
According to state television, around 70 miners were working at the time of the blast. As of Sunday, 17 workers were believed to be trapped 200 meters (650 feet) down a 700-meter (2,300-foot) tunnel. Rescue efforts continued throughout the day, with weeping miners standing alongside mine cars that brought up the bodies of their colleagues, all covered in coal dust.
Authorities have attributed the explosion to a methane gas leak, a common hazard in mining operations. However, questions have arisen about the safety measures in place at the privately owned Mandanjoo Co., which operates the mine. The company could not be reached for comment on Sunday.
This incident highlights the ongoing safety concerns in Iran’s mining industry. In 2017, a similar coal mine explosion killed at least 42 people. The country has faced criticism for lax safety standards and inadequate emergency services in mining areas, factors often blamed for such fatalities.
Iran, while primarily known for its oil production, is also rich in various minerals. The country consumes approximately 3.5 million tons of coal annually but only extracts about 1.8 million tons from its mines, importing the remainder primarily for use in steel mills.
As rescue operations continue, the disaster has reignited discussions about mining safety regulations and enforcement in Iran. Government officials have promised a thorough investigation into the cause of the explosion and a review of safety protocols in the mining sector.
