By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
A catastrophic explosion in a coal mine in Iran has resulted in the deaths of at least 51 workers, with many others injured and several still missing. The blast occurred on Saturday night in Tabas, southeast of Tehran, attributed to a methane gas leak. Eyewitnesses described the scene, saying, “We stood by, helpless, as our colleagues were brought up covered in coal dust.”
Authorities indicated that around 70 miners were on site at the time, and it’s feared that 17 individuals remain trapped about 200 meters underground. This incident marks one of the deadliest mining disasters in Iran’s history, drawing attention to ongoing safety issues in the sector. An official stated, “This is a tragic reminder of the dangers we face in mining, where safety protocols are often neglected.”
Historically, Iran’s mining industry has faced several disasters due to lax safety standards, with previous incidents claiming dozens of lives in recent years. As recovery efforts continue, the nation mourns the loss of its miners and grapples with the urgent need for improved safety measures.
Source: Africanews
