At least 30 workers have been confirmed dead, and 17 others injured, following a devastating methane gas explosion at a coal mine in Iran’s Tabas, located in the South Khorasan province.

The blast occurred on Saturday night, with officials warning that the death toll may increase as rescue operations face severe challenges due to underground conditions.

Mohammad-Ali Akhondi, the director-general of the provincial crisis management department, confirmed on Sunday that the explosion was caused by a rapid release of methane and carbon monoxide gas in two blocks of the mine. He explained that the workers died from suffocation caused by the gas.

Akhondi emphasized the urgency of rescue efforts but acknowledged the significant difficulties in accessing the affected workers. "Rescue operations are incredibly challenging, with the workers trapped at a depth of 700 meters diagonally and 250 meters vertically underground," he said.

The incident occurred while 69 workers were inside the mine. Authorities are working to rescue any remaining survivors and recover the bodies of those who have died.

In response to the tragedy, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has ordered an official investigation. Elyas Hazrati, head of the presidential administration’s Information Council, stated that the ministers of industry and labor have been dispatched to Tabas to oversee rescue efforts and assess the situation. Interior Minister Eskandar Mo’meni is also actively involved in addressing the aftermath of the explosion.

Hazrati further indicated that he has been in direct communication with the provincial governor to stay updated on developments at the blast site.

Rescue teams continue to work against difficult conditions, as families of the workers anxiously await news of their loved ones. (ILKHA)