At least 30 people have been killed and 17 are injured after a methane leak sparked an explosion at a coal mine in eastern Iran, state media reports.
Another 24 miners are believed to be trapped inside after 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
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.
He also said an investigation into the incident had begun.
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