According to data from Iran’s National Medical Emergency Organization (NMEO), Iranian fire festival, known as Chaharshanbe Suri, has resulted in several deaths and left thousands injured.
The event takes place annually in anticipation of Nowruz, the Iranian new year, which commences on March 21. Traditionally, in Iran, it is observed on the final Wednesday of the year, although the celebrations commonly begin two to three weeks beforehand.
From March 1 to March 12, a total of 3,253 injuries were recorded by NMEO, along with a minimum of 14 fatalities. Approximately 100 individuals received immediate treatment for minor injuries, while others experienced severe burns and eye injuries that necessitated hospitalization. Notably, limb amputations were necessary in at least 189 cases.
Iranians typically celebrate the occasion by leaping over bonfires to say goodbye to the previous year and greet the upcoming one. Nevertheless, contemporary practices also encompass the utilization of fireworks and firecrackers, alongside homemade flammable substances, resulting in frequent occurrences of injuries.
National Medical Emergency Organization’s chief said that a special task force was created this year to decrease the usage of illegal incendiary substances. In the lead-up to the celebrations, the Tehran police monitored individuals involved in smuggling and selling these substances for approximately two months. Consequently, around 10 million incendiary items were seized.
Nonetheless, on Tuesday alone, about 7,000 emergency calls were received by the Tehran Fire and Safety Services Department regarding explosions, fires, and other incidents associated with the celebrations, as stated by spokesperson Seyed Jalal Maleki. Among these reports was a case involving a teenager who used homemade hand grenades. Additionally, residents witnessed individuals throwing flammable substances from residential balconies or rooftops.
Every year, despite all the efforts by the authorities to enhance the safety of the festival, a significant number of individuals fall victim to the celebration. In the year 2023, the count of injured individuals surpassed 4,300, resulting in the unfortunate loss of 26 lives.
SOURCE: 14 Dead, 3253 Injured During Iran’s Deadly Fire Festival BY: eTurboNews | eTN