At least 51 workers died and 20 others were injured in a coal mine explosion in eastern Iran, state media said on Sunday.

An explosion in a coal mine in eastern Iran killed at least 33 workers and injured 17 others, officials said Sunday, marking one of the worst mining disasters in the country's history as others remained missing hours after the blast.

A methane leak caused a coal mine blast in Tabas, Iran, state media said. An emergency official said the toll is likely to rise as rescuers struggle to reach victims.