Iran says it believes the remaining workers trapped by an explosion at a coal mine in the country’s east have died, bringing the death toll in the disaster to at least 49.

A coal mine explosion in Iran left at least 38 dead and 14 others missing as rescue operations continued this week.

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.