At least 31 dead in Iran coal mine blast

Rescuers work following a gas explosion in a coal mine in South Khorasan Province, Iran September 22, 2024. Iranian Red Crescent Society/WANA (West Asia News Agency)/Handout via REUTERS

DUBAI (Reuters) -A gas explosion in a coal mine in Iran's South Khorasan Province killed at least 31 people and injured 16, the country's interior minister Eskandar Momeni told state media on Sunday.

Local media had reported earlier in the day that 51 people were killed following the accident they said was caused by a methane gas explosion in two blocks, B and C, of the privately-owned mine operated by the Madanjoo company.