Iran Coal Mine Blast: President Pezeshkian Orders Methane Leak Investigation

The Iranian President, Masoud Pezeshkian, has commemorated the families of victims in the coal mine explosion in Tabas, Eastern Iran which has presently been reported to have claimed lives of 30 people with scores missing.

Pezeshkian expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss while assuring the masses that further investigation would continue to save more lives and provide succour to the victims’ family.

“Unfortunately, we learned that an accident occurred in one of the coal mines in Tabas, and a number of our compatriots lost their lives. I offer my condolences to their respected families, and also order a probe into the deadly incident.” Pezeshkian stated before his departure for the UN General Assembly in New York.

Methane Leak

Earlier reports from IRNA news agency noted that the blast, caused by a methane gas leak, took place on Saturday at around 9:00 pm (1730 GMT) while 69 workers were present at the site.

The State media also reported that 17 others were injured, with 22 workers still missing and feared trapped under the rubble.

According to a local prosecutor, Ali Nesaei, the rescue teams are racing against time, although “gas accumulation in the mine” is complicating efforts,

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The President’s first vice president, Mohammad Reza Aref, has directed cabinet members to ensure emergency aid and support for the victims’ families.

“The negligence and fault of the relevant agents will be dealt with later,” Nesaei added.

Report has it that Iran’s Red Crescent teams are on-site, continuing search and rescue operations despite the dangerous conditions.

Footage broadcast by state TV also showed emergency responders using ambulances and helicopters to transport the injured to hospitals, while bodies of some victims were seen being removed on mining carts.

In a related development in 2017, there was a deadly mining accidents in Iran which was an explosion in Azad Shahr, that killed 43 miners. There was also the case of a blast in Damghan last year that took six lives.

Methane Leak: Causes, Effects in Mining Disasters and Preventive Measures

Methane gas is a naturally occurring byproduct in coal mines and can accumulate to dangerous levels if proper ventilation is not maintained.

Methane is highly combustible, and even the smallest spark or shift in atmospheric pressure can trigger a deadly blast.

Causes of Methane Leaks in Mining Sites:

Poor ventilation systems that fail to clear accumulating gas.
Faulty detection equipment, or the absence of it, that allows methane levels to go unnoticed.
Over-extraction in older mines that increases the risk of leaks.

Effects of Methane Leaks:

Explosions causing loss of life and property.
Environmental pollution, as methane is a potent greenhouse gas.
Long-term health risks for miners exposed to lower levels of the gas, including respiratory problems.