An explosion at a coal mine in eastern Iran killed at least 33 workers and injured 17 others, with several still missing.

The blast occurred at the Tabas mine, likely caused by a methane gas leak, and trapped workers deep underground.

Rescue efforts are ongoing. Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian ordered an investigation and support for victims’ families.

This disaster is one of the deadliest in Iran’s mining history, following previous fatal accidents due to lax safety standards, CBS News has reported.

Iran, though rich in minerals, faces recurring mining safety issues.

Written by B.C. Begley