Massive explosion in Iran. Credit: Envato Market

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News

TEHRAN (Worthy News) – Authorities say a gas explosion in a coal mine in Iran’s South Khorasan Province had killed at least 51 people and injured 20.

State media said the accident reported Sunday was caused by a methane gas explosion in two blocks, B and C, of the mine run by the Madanjoo company.

“76% of the country’s coal is provided from this region, and around 8 to 10 big companies are working in the region, including Madanjoo company,” the governor of South Khorasan Province, Ali Akbar Rahimi, told state TV on Sunday.

The incident reportedly happened as 69 miners were working in two sections of the privately owned mine operated by Madanjoo company in Tabas, a desert town about 540 kilometers (335 miles) southeast of Tehran.

Rescue efforts have been hampered by dangerously high levels of methane gas, with emergency services struggling to reach affected areas almost 500 meters (1,640 feet) underground.

State television reported that methane concentration remains a critical obstacle, preventing further entry into the mine.

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian ordered ministries to dispatch additional rescue teams to the site before he departed for the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The Islamic Republic’s judiciary has also launched a full investigation into the incident, vowing to hold those responsible accountable.

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