Coal Mine Blast in Iran Causes Dozens of Deaths

A methane explosion in a coal mine in Iran’s South Khorasan Province has led to the tragic deaths of dozens of miners.

At a Glance

A gas explosion in the coal mine killed and injured dozens of miners.
The explosion, caused by methane gas, occurred in the Madanjoo company’s mine run.
Rescue operations are underway, facing challenging conditions due to high methane density.
Many miners are still unaccounted for following the event.

Details of the Explosion

A devastating methane explosion occurred on Saturday at around 9 p.m. (1730 GMT) in the Madanjoo company’s coal mine blocks B and C in South Khorasan Province, Iran. This region is responsible for 76% of the country’s coal production and houses eight to ten major coal companies, according to the governor of South Khorasan Province, Ali Akbar Rahimi.

At the time of the blast, 69 workers were present in the mine, with 47 in block B and 22 in block C, per state media. Many injured were transported to nearby hospitals.

On Sunday, September 22, it was reported that at least 51 people were killed in the blast, with 20 injured. However, some outlets on September 23 reported that Iranian authorities later placed the death toll much lower at 38, with 14 people still missing.

A gas explosion in a coal mine in Iran's South Khorasan Province killed at least 51 people and injured 20 https://t.co/l7awA8W69E pic.twitter.com/xlADiaxWSO

— Reuters (@Reuters) September 22, 2024

Rescue Efforts

Rescue operations have been difficult due to high methane density and gas accumulation at the site. Block B’s operations have been completed, while efforts in Block C were underway on Monday.

“The concentration of gas in the tunnel of block C is very high, especially at the end of the mine, which has slowed down the rescue and evacuation operations, but continuous work is being done to reach the workshop,” Javad Ghenaat, the Province’s governor general said.

“Currently, the priority is to provide aid to the injured and pull people from under the rubble,” stated local prosecutor Ali Nesaei over the weekend.

Rescue workers face physical difficulties, needing to clear rubble and excess gas. The task requires reaching 400 meters from the miners’ last known location.

Past Incidents and Safety Concerns

Recent years have seen multiple accidents in Iranian coal mines, highlighting ongoing safety concerns. In 2017, a blast in Azad Shahr city killed dozens, while a 2023 mine collapse in Damghan resulted in six deaths. The use of outdated materials and inadequate safety measures is a persistent issue.

President Masoud Pezeshkian gave his condolences to the loved ones of the victims and announced plans to ensure a thorough investigation and aid for affected families.