TEHRAN, Iran: At least 21 people were killed and 6,419 injured during celebrations marking Iran’s fire festival known as Chaharshanbe Suri, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) quoted authorities as saying on Wednesday.
The annual festival, held on Wednesday night before Nowruz – the Persian New Year – saw participants in Tehran and other cities lighting fires and jumping over them, while others set off fireworks, sparklers and even homemade explosives.
Despite Tehran Police Department’s warnings and the use of drone surveillance to monitor the use of explosives, multiple fatalities and injuries were reported due to unsafe practices.
Iran’s Emergency Medical Services confirmed that among the casualties, 18 people remain in critical condition.
Tehran, along with the East Azerbaijan and West Azerbaijan provinces, recorded the highest number of injuries.
Earlier in the day, authorities had reported 19 deaths and 5,568 injuries, with the numbers rising as further reports emerged.
Celebrated across Iran, Chaharshanbe Suri is deeply rooted in tradition but has increasingly become associated with dangerous accidents.
Each year, the festival and its preparations result in dozens of deaths and thousands of injuries nationwide, particularly among children and young people. – BERNAMA-ANADOLU
