Gas Explosion in Iranian Coal Mine Kills 31, Injures 16

A gas explosion at a coal mine in Iran's South Khorasan Province has left at least 31 dead and 16 injured, Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni reported on Sunday. The explosion, caused by methane gas, occurred in blocks B and C of the privately-operated Madanjoo mine. Seventeen miners remain missing, with rescue teams still 400 meters from their likely location. Efforts to reach them are expected to continue into tomorrow.

There were 69 workers present at the time of the explosion, which took place at 9 p.m. on Saturday. Despite recent inspections confirming safety compliance, Labour Minister Ahmad Meydari dismissed claims of negligence, calling the event a "sudden occurrence."

An investigation has been launched, while Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian extended condolences to the victims' families.