At least 30 workers have died in a gas explosion in a coal mine in northeast Iran. The explosion, caused by a gas leak, occurred in the coal mine in the city of Tabas. 17 other workers were injured in the accident, some of them are in a critical condition, according to local authorities, according to state broadcaster IRIB.
According to IRIB, rescue operations are progressing slowly due to the heavy smoke. Authorities fear an even higher number of victims, as 70 workers were in the plant at the time of the explosion on Sunday night. They are still trapped and their chances of survival are considered slim. (dpa)
