Islamic Republic News Agency, citing a local government official reported that rescuers in southeastern Iran are working to free three coal miners trapped after a mine collapse earlier this week.

The incident occurred Tuesday in the Hejdak coal mine near the town of Ravar and the city of Kerman.

Rescuers have brought the body of one miner to the surface from a depth of 600 meters.

IRNA said that because of coal powder in the mine, rescuers have to operate very slowly and carefully.

Mr Farajollah Arefi governor of Ravar said that experienced miners say this type of accident is very rare.

But mr Gholamreza Karami, a member of parliament from Kerman, was quoted by IRNA as saying “Unfortunately, this kind of accident happens every year at coal mines. A similar accident happened at this very same mine in December 2009.”

(Sourced from IRNA)