Iran Reports Sharp Increase in Fire Festival Casualties

Iran faces a somber start to its annual Fire Festival celebrations, with reports from the Iranian Students’ News Agency on Saturday revealing that five people have lost their lives and 91 others have been injured due to fireworks explosions. The incidents, occurring between February 20 and March 1, mark a significant increase in casualties compared to the previous year, with deaths doubling and injuries rising by 57%.

Jafar Miadfar, the head of Iran’s Medical Emergency Organization, detailed the tragic outcomes of these incidents, noting that the capital, Tehran, and the northwestern province of West Azarbaijan were among the areas affected. Among the injured, 15 individuals have undergone amputations, while 31 have suffered eye injuries and 41 have sustained burns.

The surge in accidents comes as Iranians prepare for the traditional Fire Festival, Chaharshanbe Suri, celebrated on the eve of the last Wednesday before Nowruz, the Iranian New Year. This year, the festival is set to take place on March 12.