A gas leak explosion at a coal mine in Tabas, eastern Iran, has resulted in the deaths of at least 51 workers, marking one of the deadliest industrial accidents in the country in recent years. The blast occurred around 9 PM local time on Saturday while approximately 70 workers were present at the site, according to state media reports. Initially, the death toll was reported at 30, but it was later revised to 51 as rescue efforts continued.
The explosion, attributed to a methane gas leak, affected two blocks of the privately-owned Tabas mine, operated by the Iranian firm Madanjoo. State television aired footage of emergency response teams, including ambulances and helicopters, arriving to transport the injured to hospitals. Reports indicated that 20 others sustained injuries, and search and rescue operations were ongoing to recover any workers still trapped underground.
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed condolences to the victims’ families and called for an investigation into the incident. He emphasized the need for “emergency follow-up” to support those affected. Local authorities confirmed that some workers were trapped about 250 meters below the surface, with gas accumulation hampering rescue efforts. The local prosecutor noted that accountability for any negligence would be addressed later.
This tragedy follows a series of mining accidents in Iran, highlighting ongoing safety concerns in the industry. Previous incidents include a 2017 explosion that killed 43 miners and a 2021 collapse that claimed two lives. The Tabas mine is one of Iran’s largest coal reserves, covering an area of over 30,000 square kilometers.
