Iran’s fire festival ends tragically, leaving thousands injured and 15 dead

Thursday, March 14, 2024

Tragic explosions at Iran’s fire festival in Tehran kill 15, injure 4,000 amid Nowruz celebrations, affecting mostly youth under 22 years old.

In a tragic turn of events, the festive spirit of Iran’s Chaharshanbe Suri was marred by a series of explosions that have led to significant casualties, including the loss of at least 15 lives and the injury of 4,000 individuals. This incident unfolded in Tehran, the heart of Iran, during the celebrations of this fire festival, which is traditionally held on the eve of the last Wednesday before Nowruz, marking the anticipation of the Persian New Year.

According to a statement by Babak Yektaparast, the spokesperson for the Iranian National Medical Emergency Organisation, as reported by FARS news agency, the demographics of the injured are particularly young, with 72 percent of them being under the age of 22. The period between February 20 and March 12 saw a distressing number of injuries, with 565 people still in hospitals, 38 of whom are in intensive care units. Four individuals are reported to be in a critical state.

This year’s fire festival has seen a 21 percent increase in fatalities and a 13 percent rise in the number of injuries compared to the previous year, shedding light on the serious repercussions of the celebrations. Notably, the incidents have resulted in 257 individuals suffering from amputations and 1,594 people enduring eye injuries. Additionally, over 1,200 people have sustained burn injuries due to the massive fires.

Chaharshanbe Suri, a festivity that involves the lighting of bonfires and the setting off of fireworks, is rooted in pre-Islamic traditions and is celebrated by many Iranians as part of the preparations for Nowruz. The government of Iran, however, has long expressed its disapproval of the festival due to its ancient origins and its potential as a platform for public dissent against the authorities.

Despite the government’s reservations, the festival has historically been a time for public expression. Following the death of Mhasa Amini in 2022, the festival last year became a venue for anti-government demonstrations, as reported by the Washington Post. Unverified videos from various cities showed people chanting against the government, women burning scarves, and fireworks being thrown at security forces, underscoring the festival’s transformation into a symbol of resistance.

This recent tragedy not only highlights the dangers associated with the festival’s traditional practices but also underscores the broader social and political tensions within Iran, as citizens navigate the complex interplay of cultural heritage, celebration, and protest.

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