An explosion in a paint factory in the Shahid Salimi Industrial Area in the Iranian city of Tabriz on Monday evening has resulted in at least 50 injured, and possibly more, according to Iranian state media outlet Tasnim.
Tasnim cited Mohammad Baqer Hanbar, Director General of Crisis Management of East Azarbaijan Governorate, as explaining that the explosion was caused by a gas leak.
The injured were taken to hospitals and local authorities are investigating the incident.
Red Crescent report
Hamid Manjam, CEO of East Azerbaijan Red Crescent, said: An explosion occurred at the paint factory of Atlas Foam Sahand in Azarshahr city.
He continued: "Immediately after the fire broke out...a judicial order was issued ...for the fire department to investigate the cause of the accident."
He stated, according to Tasnim, that three teams including 15 Red Crescent rescuers... along with two ambulances and a rescue vehicle were sent to the accident site. He added that 54 people were injured in this accident, 6 of whom were taken to medical centers by the Red Crescent. 18 were treated on an outpatient basis at the scene of the accident.
According to Tasnim, Shahid Salimi is the largest industrial area in northwestern Iran and is located in the province of East Azerbaijan. About 28,000 people work there.
This is a developing story.