A methane leak triggered an explosion at a coal mine in eastern Irancausing at least 19 deaths and 17 injuries, Iranian state television reported. The deaths occurred in a coal mine in Tabas, 540 kilometers southeast of the capital, Tehran. At the time of the explosion, which occurred late yesterday evening, around 70 people worked there. Emergency teams were sent to the scene.
The precedents
The accident adds to the list of similar tragedies that have occurred over the years in Iranian mines. In 2017, a coal mine explosion killed at least 42 people, while previous events in 2013 and 2009 left 11 and 20 dead, respectively.
Accidents are often attributable to inadequate safety standards and poor emergency response capabilities in mining regions.
#Iran #coal #explosion #dead