Death Toll Rises in Iran

The death toll from the methane gas explosion in a coal mine in Tabas city, South Khorasan province, Iran, has reached 52, according to the Tasnim agency.

The explosion occurred yesterday evening around 9:00 PM local time at the Madanjo company mine, affecting two blocks, B and C, where 69 people were working.

Rescue operations in block B have been completed, with 30 out of 47 workers reported dead and 17 injured. In block C, where 22 miners were trapped, all were reported dead.

The coal mine is located 250 meters underground and stretches 700 meters in length. Approximately 40 rescuers are involved in the ongoing rescue efforts.

Tabas coal mine, which spans over 30,000 square kilometers, is one of the largest and richest coal mining regions in Iran.