Explosion in Iran’s coal mine kills at least 32, injures 17

Tehran: An explosion in a coal mine in eastern part of Iran has resulted in the deaths of at least 32 individuals and injured another 17, Iranian state television reported on Sunday.

According to Iranian media, many other workers are feared to be trapped in the mine.

The blast occurred due to a methane gas leak at a coal mine in Tabas, located approximately 540 km (335 miles) southeast of Tehran.

At many as 69 miners were working in one of the mine's tunnels when the unexpected gas leak happened on Saturday night. Subsequent reports indicated that 24 workers were believed to be trapped inside, while 28 others were taken to hospital for medical attention.

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian, who was preparing to depart for New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly, stated that he has ordered all possible measures to be taken to rescue those trapped and support their families.

He also mentioned that an investigation into the incident has commenced.