At least 32 dead in major fire at Iranian addiction clinic – authorities investigate Bank of England’s adherence to interest rates

After a deadly major fire at a clinic for drug addicts in Iran, the causes of the tragic incident remain unclear. Press agency Isna, citing authorities, speaks about possible failure of the clinic management.

The head of the clinic was arrested. Interior Minister Ahmad Wahidi traveled to the scene of the accident on Friday.

According to state news agency Irna, 32 people were killed in a fire at an addiction clinic in the early hours of Friday. 16 others were injured, some seriously, and were treated in hospital. The incident took place in the town of Langrud in the north of the country, the report said. The bodies were taken to the provincial capital Rasht for identification.

Videos and photos published by Irna show a completely burned-out building, including a room with several bunk beds. A video previously published by Isna shows a building in flames and a meter-high column of smoke.

The Etemad newspaper spoke to a former patient of the clinic. The high number of victims arose because the clinic is usually closed at night. However, it is unclear why the door was not opened after the fire broke out and whether the key was even in the possession of the security guard present. According to Etemad, the fire was completely extinguished four hours after it broke out.

(hah/sda/dpa)