Over 350 martyred, hurt in Iran inferno at majles-e-aza

By: Behroz

TEHRAN, Iran: Fierce fire broke out at a crowded mosque and hosseiniyah in central Tehran during majlis-e-aza on Monday evening, leaving at least 59 Hosseini mourners martyred and 300 injured.

According to reports the fire at the Ark Mosque was sparked when a faulty electrical heater started blaze.

The official Islamic Republic News Agency said a long sheet of cloth segregating men from women caught fire and spread quickly throughout the mosque.

Firefighters extinguished the blaze after about an hour, and the injured were taken to nearby hospitals where some were listed in critical condition.

END