DUBAI (Reuters) -A fuel explosion in a coal mine in Iran’s South Khorasan Province killed at the very least 51 folks and injured 20, Iran’s state media mentioned on Sunday.
The accident was attributable to a methane fuel explosion in two blocks, B and C, of the mine run by the Madanjoo firm, state media mentioned.
“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 instructed state TV on Sunday.
The rescue operation in block B has been accomplished. Of the 47 staff who have been within the block 30 died and 17 have been injured, Rahimi mentioned earlier.
Rescue operations in block C have began. Methane density within the block is excessive and the operation will take round 3-4 hours, he added.
There have been 69 staff within the blocks on the time of the explosion, state TV reported.
“Seventeen injured people were transported to the hospital and 24 people are still missing,” it mentioned earlier on Sunday citing the pinnacle of Iran’s Pink Crescent.
The explosion occurred at 9 p.m. (1730 GMT) on Saturday, state media mentioned.
President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed condolences to the victims’ households. “I spoke with ministers and we will do our best to follow up,” Pezeshkian mentioned in televised feedback.
