TEHRAN — At least 51 workers lost their lives in a coal mine explosion in northeastern Iran, local media reported on Sunday.

The tragedy occurred Saturday night in Tabas, Khorasan province, when a rapid release of methane and carbon monoxide triggered the blast in two sections of the mine.

Around 70 workers were present at the site during the incident, according to local authorities.

Rescue operations faced significant challenges due to difficult underground conditions, hampering efforts to reach those trapped.

In response to the disaster, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has called for an investigation into the explosion. This incident adds to Iran's troubling history of mining accidents, where safety regulations are frequently ignored, raising concerns about worker safety in the industry. — Agencies