On September 21, 2024, an explosion occurred at a coal mine in Tabas, South Khorasan Province, Iran. The incident killed at least 51 people and injured 20 more.

The Tabas Parvadeh 5 mine was owned and operated by Madanjoo Company^[1] It occupies a 30,000 km² (12,000 sq mi) area with reserves of coal thought to be one of the largest in the country.^[2] Eastern Iran accounts for 76 percent of the nation's coal production. The coal industry in the area is dominated by at least eight large corporations including Mandanjoo. Deaths from mining disasters in the country are commonly attributed to poor safety measurements and lack of emergency capabilities. In 2017, 42 people died in a similar explosion.^[3]

The mine, located in Tabas, some 540 km (340 mi) from Tehran, exploded at 21:00 local time while 69 workers were inside.^[4] The Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reported 51 fatalities and 20 injured.^[5] Twenty-two people were trapped in the mine.^[6]

The explosion occurred at a depth of 250 m (820 ft).^[7] According to IRNA, the explosion occurred after a methane gas leak. Twenty-eight people who evacuated the mine were hospitalized.^[8]

All of the workers were either at blocks B or C of the mine during the explosion. During the initial rescue, large amounts of methane gas were discharged within both blocks. The emission rate was greater in Block B, where rescuers were unable to enter.^[9] Forty-seven workers were in Block B and 22 were in Block C during the explosion.^[10]

Similar mining incidents had occurred in Iran in the past due to inadequate safety standards.^[11]

President Masoud Pezeshkian also instructed rescue and recovery efforts to assist the affected.^[12] Over 100 rescue personnel, including 40 specialized mine rescuers, were dispatched to the scene.^[13] Thirteen ambulances also carried casualties to nearby medical facilities. Some survivors were airlifted from the mine.^[14] Tabas city officials and the labor ministry said that the methane discharge at the mine hampered relief works.^[15] Bodies of the dead were transferred away from the mine on carts.^[6]

Pezeshkian said an inquiry into the explosion had opened.^[12] Ministers of labor and industry, mining, and trade were ordered by the president to visit South Khorasan province for the inquiry process.^[16]