TEHRAN: A building collapse in Iran’s capital, Tehran, has resulted in the loss of five lives, including two policemen, and left at least 11 individuals injured, according to local media reports on Monday.
The incident occurred during the planned demolition of “unauthorized buildings” in the southwestern part of the city on Sunday. The policemen were engaged in securing the demolition when the tragedy unfolded, as detailed by the ISNA news agency. Another agency, Tasnim, confirmed that two of the officers were among the casualties.
Jalal Maleki, the spokesperson for Tehran’s fire department, stated that the “toll from the collapse” has reached five fatalities. The collapse of multiple buildings took place as authorities were executing the demolition of one structure, leading to an unfortunate chain of events.
Efforts are currently underway to rescue any individuals who may be trapped under the debris as rescue operations continue, as reported by both ISNA and Tasnim. Images from the scene, as released by Tasnim, reveal the strenuous efforts of rescue teams and heavy equipment in the midst of debris and twisted metal, surrounded by partially damaged buildings.
According to ISNA, a police statement revealed that the collapsed buildings had not adhered to “construction safety measures.”
Unauthorized Buildings in Tehran
This tragic incident comes amidst ongoing efforts by authorities to address unauthorized construction. A city official in Tehran disclosed that over the past two years, more than 46,000 unauthorized buildings had been demolished. This emphasis on enforcing regulations highlights the broader context of ensuring public safety and mitigating potential hazards.
Tragically, building collapses have previously claimed lives in Iran. In May 2022, a catastrophic building collapse in the city of Abadan in Khuzestan province resulted in the deaths of 43 individuals. The 10-story Metropol building, which was under construction, became a symbol of nationwide protests against corruption and perceived incompetence within the authorities.
