A tunnel collapse at the Koushk lead and zinc mine in Bafq, Yazd province, Iran, left no fatalities after a sulphur gas leak caused a section of the mine to fall early on Wednesday morning. Local emergency services carried out an immediate evacuation and medical teams treated the injured, officials said.
Koushk mine collapse Iran investigation under way
The incident occurred at around 08:40 when a 142-metre tunnel in the Koushk mine collapsed, according to Ehsan Balaktfi, director general of crisis management for Yazd province. Initial assessments point to a leak of sulphur gas as the trigger for the collapse, though authorities cautioned that a definitive cause will be announced after a two-day inquiry.
Balaktfi said rescue teams and safety personnel were dispatched to the scene without delay to secure the area and assist workers. Roughly 50 miners were present in the tunnel at the time of the incident. All personnel were evacuated and there are no reports of anyone trapped inside.
Mohammad Eshghi, chief executive of the Red Crescent in Yazd province, confirmed that four injured workers received first aid at the site. One worker was transferred to hospital by a Red Crescent ambulance and another was taken by emergency medical services. The injured were reported to have suffered burns consistent with exposure to sulphur fumes. Officials added that the general condition of those treated was stable.
Authorities have prioritised site safety and environmental monitoring as they proceed with the investigation. Teams on the ground have undertaken measures to ventilate affected areas and to monitor air quality for lingering hazardous gases. Local officials have not yet provided a timetable for when the mine might resume operations.
The Koushk mine is a significant site for lead and zinc extraction in the Yazd region. While mining incidents are not uncommon in deep underground operations, the prompt evacuation and coordinated response in this case prevented loss of life, officials said. The incident highlights ongoing occupational safety concerns in the sector and the importance of gas-detection systems and ventilation controls in preventing similar events.
Investigators will examine maintenance records, gas-detection logs, ventilation performance and witness statements as part of the inquiry. Balaktfi said authorities expect to release an initial report within 48 hours and will determine whether further oversight or regulatory action is necessary.
Local health authorities have advised workers involved in the incident to remain under observation for any delayed symptoms related to sulphur exposure, including respiratory irritation or skin conditions. The Red Crescent and emergency services will continue follow-up checks on the injured workers.
The provincial crisis management office thanked rescue teams, hospital staff and the mine’s emergency response unit for their rapid action. Company representatives have been cooperating with officials and have pledged to assist the investigation. As the inquiry progresses, officials said they will provide updates to the public and to families of those affected.
Key Takeaways:
- Koushk mine collapse Iran occurred after a sulphur gas leak, causing the fall of a 142-metre tunnel.
- All approximately 50 workers were evacuated and there were no fatalities; minor burn injuries were treated.
- Rescue teams secured the site and emergency services transported two injured workers to hospital.
- Authorities say a full investigation into the cause will be completed within two days.
