TEHRAN: A massive fire tore through a commercial complex near Tehran, killing at least eight people and injuring dozens more, according to Iranian state media on Wednesday.
The blaze broke out on Tuesday at the Arghavan commercial complex in the city of Andisheh, west of the Iranian capital. Television footage showed flames engulfing the multi-storey building as thick black smoke rose into the sky.
State media reported that at least 41 people were injured in the incident, while rescue and firefighting teams worked for hours to contain the fire and search the damaged structure.
Local officials said the complex housed more than 250 commercial units along with 50 office spaces, raising concerns about safety standards and emergency preparedness at the site.
Official investigation
Authorities have launched an official investigation into the incident. The Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office in Shahriar said efforts were underway to identify those responsible and determine the cause of the fire.
The prosecutor’s office also issued an arrest warrant for the constructor of the building as part of the investigation.
Deadly fires and industrial accidents occur periodically in Iran, often drawing scrutiny over building regulations and safety enforcement. While fires are relatively common in the country, incidents causing high casualties are less frequent.
In June 2020, a powerful explosion caused by gas canisters at a medical clinic in northern Tehran killed at least 19 people. Earlier, in January 2017, a fire at Tehran’s 15-storey Plasco shopping centre claimed at least 22 lives, including 16 firefighters, after the building collapsed during rescue operations.
The latest incident is likely to renew debate over commercial building safety and regulatory oversight in Iran.
