As many as 51 persons were killed after a powerful explosion ripped through a coal mine in eastern Iran’s Tabas. As per reports, the incident occurred due to a methane gas leak. Over 17 others are reported to be injured in the incident. Furthermore, 3 individuals remain trapped inside the mine, according to state media.

The explosion occurred late Saturday night in Tabas, approximately 540 kilometres southeast of Tehran. Rescue teams were dispatched to the scene shortly after the blast, which occurred while around 70 workers were on-site.

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Provincial Governor Mohammad Javad Kenat confirmed the fatalities and injuries during an interview with state television, as per Jagran.com. Iran’s newly elected President Masoud Pezeshkian ordered efforts to rescue those trapped and provide assistance to their families. An investigation has also been launched into the incident. “Unfortunately, we learned that an accident occurred in one of the coal mines in Tabas and a number of our compatriots lost their lives. I offer my condolences to their respected families,” Pezeshkian said.

This incident is not the first of its kind in Iran. In 2013, two separate mine accidents resulted in the deaths of 11 workers. Other tragedies in 2009 claimed 20 lives, and a catastrophic explosion in 2017 resulted in 42 fatalities.

The high fatality rate in Iran's mining sector is frequently linked to inadequate safety standards and a lack of sufficient emergency services in mining regions.

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Iran, a major oil producer, is also abundant in various minerals. The country consumes approximately 3.5 million tons of coal annually, but its mines produce only around 1.8 million tons per year. The remainder is imported, primarily for use in its steel mills.