At least 30 killed in Iran coal mine blast: State media

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At least 69 people were working in a mine in eastern Tabas when a methane gas leak caused the explosion.

An explosion at a mine in eastern Iran has killed at least 30 people and injured another 17, Iranian state television reported.

The blast took place due to a methane gas leak at a coal mine in Tabas, some 540km (335 miles) southeast of the capital, Tehran, IRNA news agency said on Sunday.

At least 69 workers were working in one of the mine’s tunnels when the sudden gas leak occurred on Saturday night, according to the report.

State TV later said 24 were believed to be trapped inside, with 28 others who escaped alive were sent for hospital treatment.

Iran’s new President Masoud Pezeshkian, preparing to travel to New York for the United Nations General Assembly, said he ordered all efforts be made to rescue those trapped and aid their families. He also said an investigation into the incident had begun.