Military system malfunction causes loud blast in Iranian city of Gorgan

No casualties have so far been reported and law enforcement said they were investigating the incident.

By REUTERS

SEPTEMBER 18, 2023 09:37

Updated: SEPTEMBER 18, 2023 15:19

A gas flare on an oil production platform in the Soroush oil fields is seen alongside an Iranian flag in the Persian Gulf, Iran, July 25, 2005 (photo credit: RAHEB HOMAVANDI/REUTERS) — A gas flare on an oil production platform in the Soroush oil fields is seen alongside an Iranian flag in the Persian Gulf, Iran, July 25, 2005

(photo credit: RAHEB HOMAVANDI/REUTERS)

A malfunction in a military system was the cause of a blast heard in the northern Iranian city of Gorgan, a spokesperson from Iran's Defence Ministry said on Monday.

"In the process of testing defence and drones systems in a desert region, one of these systems suffered a technical defect and deviated from its main path," the spokesperson said, adding debris fell in and around the city of Gorgan.

It was not immediately clear if the spokesperson was referring to a missile.

An unknown object crashed following by an explosion in Gorgan, Golestan Province of #Iran pic.twitter.com/8Bi9GvZqYY
— Aleph א (@no_itsmyturn) September 18, 2023

An official from the Golestan province's governorate had earlier said the fallen object was a drone and added two civilians were injured in the incident.

Numerous explosions over #Gorgan moments before the crash of the unknown object which is reportedly a UAV.#Iran pic.twitter.com/GFDn4M7NuN
— Aleph א (@no_itsmyturn) September 18, 2023

Iranian news media have shared footage of a burnt object lying in a street, with nearby shops having their windows smashed and cars sustaining damage.

Other videos showed loud bangs followed by debris falling in other parts of the city of Gorgan.