Tragic Gas Leak in Iranian Mine Claims 7 Lives

TEHRAN, Iran — A tragic gas leak at a coal mine in northern Iran has resulted in the deaths of seven workers, including three Afghan nationals, as reported by the country’s state media on Tuesday.

The unfortunate incident took place on Monday afternoon near the city of Damghan, approximately 270 kilometers (170 miles) northwest of Tehran. Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has called for an investigation into the matter, according to the official report from the IRNA news agency.

There are concerns that safety protocols might not have been properly followed, the report indicated. Industrial mishaps are a significant concern in Iran, with approximately 700 workplace fatalities recorded annually.

This tragedy follows another incident from last week, where an iron ore mine collapsed in northwest Iran, leading to the death of one worker. Additionally, an explosion at another coal mine in eastern Iran in September claimed the lives of dozens of workers, highlighting ongoing safety issues in the nation’s mining sector.