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| Prison Fire in Iran Kills 27 |
| By Associated Press |
| Published: 01/13/2003 |
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A fire broke out in an Iranian prison early December 30, killing 27 prisoners and injuring 50 others, officials said. The fire broke out at around 3:20 am in the prison in Gorgan, capital of northern Golestan province on the Caspian Sea, the prison's director Abbas Ali Arab, told The Associated Press. 'Unfortunately, at least 27 prisoners were killed and 50 others injured in the incident,' Arab said, adding that the death toll was likely to rise. The official said the victims were all inmates, aged 20 to 69, convicted by local courts on various charges, including smuggling drugs, theft and robbery. Firefighters extinguished the blaze, and the injured were taken to several hospitals in different provincial cities, Arab said. 'Five of the injured have been hospitalized with severe burns and others were released after minor treatment,' he said. The official Islamic Republic News Agency quoted provincial official Hossein Rafati as saying the fire was caused by a short circuit. Akbar Nikqadam, a Gorgan resident, said police cordoned off the area, blocking access to the streets leading to the prison. 'Police are preventing people from approaching the prison. In midday, ambulances were driving to the site of fire,' Nikqadam told AP. All roads, including the road leading to the city's airport, remained closed late Monday and authorities allowed only government vehicles to pass. Authorities have launched an investigation, the agency said. |
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