A gas explosion at a coal mine in northeastern Iran has killed at least 30 workers. The blast, caused by a gas leak, occurred at a coal mine in the city of Tabas. Seventeen other workers were injured in the accident, some of them in critical condition, local authorities said, according to state broadcaster IRIB.
According to IRIB, rescue work is progressing slowly due to thick smoke. Authorities fear a higher death toll as there were 70 workers at the factory at the time of the explosion on Sunday night. The animals are still trapped and their chances of survival are considered low.
