A catastrophic coal mine explosion rocked eastern Iran on Sunday, claiming the lives of at least 51 workers and leaving several injured. The tragedy, one of the most devastating mining disasters in Iran’s history, has left a number of workers unaccounted for hours after the blast.
Tragically, approximately 70 individuals were present at the mine site when the explosion occurred. Subsequent reports from Iranian state television indicated that 17 people were believed to be trapped approximately 200 meters (650 feet) beneath the surface, within a 700-meter (2,300-foot) tunnel. Conflicting reports emerged throughout Sunday regarding the extent of the disaster in the rural area, with some initial estimates suggesting an even higher death toll.
Authorities have attributed the explosion to a methane gas leak, a hazard commonly encountered in mining operations. Despite advancements in safety protocols that emphasize ventilation and protective measures, the disaster starkly highlights persistent concerns about worker safety within Iran’s mining industry.
The explosion occurred in two blocks, B and C, of the mine operated by the Madanjoo company, according to state media. The governor of South Khorasan Province, Ali Akbar Rahimi, informed state television on Sunday that “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.”
Rescue efforts in block B have concluded. Of the 47 workers in that block, 30 tragically perished, and 17 sustained injuries, Rahimi reported. Rescue operations in block C have commenced, however, the high methane density in the area is making the operation challenging. Rahimi estimates that the rescue effort will take approximately 3-4 hours.
State television reported that there were 69 workers in the two blocks at the time of the explosion. Earlier on Sunday, citing the head of Iran’s Red Crescent, state television reported that 17 injured individuals had been transported to the hospital, and 24 remained missing. The explosion occurred at 9 pm on Saturday, according to state media.
President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed condolences to the families of the victims. “I spoke with ministers and we will do our best to follow up,” Pezeshkian stated in televised comments.
This incident is not the first time Iran’s mining industry has been struck by tragedy. In 2017, a coal mine explosion claimed the lives of at least 42 people. Then-President Hassan Rouhani, campaigning for reelection, visited the site in Iran’s northern Golestan province. However, he was met with anger from the miners, who surrounded his SUV, kicking and beating the armored vehicle in a fit of rage.
In 2013, 11 workers were killed in two separate mining incidents. In 2009, 20 workers lost their lives in a series of mining accidents. Lax safety standards and inadequate emergency services in mining areas have been frequently cited as contributing factors in these previous tragedies.
While oil production is a significant industry in Iran, the country is also rich in a variety of minerals. Iran annually consumes around 3.5 million tons of coal but only extracts about 1.8 million tons from its mines per year. The remaining coal needs are met through imports, often utilized by the country’s steel mills.
