Deaths in the mine explosion, which occurred in the South Khorasan province, eastern Iran, went up to 34 individuals, while 17 so far were injured in the incident earlier on Sunday. According to the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), Mohammad-Ali Akhondi -- director general of the provincial crisis management headquarters -- revealed that rescue efforts were ongoing to save 18 miners still trapped inside. Iran announced yesterday that a blast had occurred in a coal mine in South Khorasan, which employs 69 miners. Source: Kuwait News Agency