At least 30 people have been killed and dozens are injured after a methane leak sparked an explosion at a coal mine in eastern Iran, state media reports.
The explosion struck a mine in Tabas, some 335 miles southeast of the capital, Tehran.
The state-run IRNA news agency said authorities had sent emergency personnel to the area.
Around 70 people had been working there at the time of the blast, which happened late Saturday
State TV said after the blast that 24 people were believed to be trapped inside, while 28 others who escaped alive were sent for hospital treatment.
It is not clear if any remain trapped inside.
Iran’s new president Masoud Pezeshkian, preparing to travel to New York for the United Nations General Assembly, said he ordered all efforts be made to rescue those trapped and aid their families.
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