At least 51 dead in Iran coal mine blast
World / Middle East
At least 51 dead in Iran coal mine blast
Story by Reuters
1 minute read
Published 6:03 AM EDT, Sun September 22, 2024
Rescuers work following a gas explosion in a coal mine in South Khorasan Province, Iran on September 22, 2024. Iranian Red Crescent Society/Wana News Agency/Reuters
(Reuters) A gas explosion in a coal mine in Irans South Khorasan Province killed at least 51 people and injured 20, Irans state media said on Sunday.
The accident was caused by a methane gas explosion in two blocks, B and C, of the mine run by the Madanjoo company, state media said.
76% of the countrys 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 rescue operation in block B has been completed. Of the 47 workers who were in the block 30 died and 17 were injured, Rahimi said earlier.
Rescue operations in block C have started. Methane density in the block is high and the operation will take around 3-4 hours, he added.
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