Unfortunately, we learned that an accident occurred in one of the coal mines in Tabas and a number of our compatriots lost their lives. I offer my condolences to their respected families,” Pezeshkian said.
His first vice president, Mohammad Reza Aref, spoke with cabinet members to ensure “emergency follow-up” and support for the victims and their families, IRNA said.
The authorities have announced three days of public mourning in the eastern province, local media reported.
“Gas accumulation in the mine” has made the search operations difficult, local prosecutor Ali Nesaei was quoted by IRNA as saying.
“Currently, the priority is to provide aid to the injured and pull people from under the rubble.”
Nesaei added that “the negligence and fault of the relevant agents will be dealt with” later.
Last year, an explosion at a coal mine in the northern city of Damghan killed six people, also likely the result of a methane leak according to local media.
In May 2021, two miners died in a collapse at the same site, media reports said at the time.