Rasht, April 19, 2024 — A tragic fire broke out in the basement of Kayem Hospital in the northern Iranian city of Rasht, resulting in the deaths of nine patients. The incident occurred around 1:30 am local time on Monday, April 17.

According to a report by Qatar-based media outlet Al-Jazeera, the victims included six women and three men. The cause of the fire remains unknown, and local authorities have established an investigation team to determine the origin and circumstances surrounding the incident.

Following the outbreak, five children who were receiving treatment at Kayem Hospital were safely transferred to another children's hospital, and authorities have confirmed their health status as stable.

Initial reports suggest that the fire originated from an underground room housing the hospital's power generators. The country's state media highlighted this detail, pointing to the possibility that the fire might have been caused by a malfunction or fault in the generators.

This incident recalls a previous tragedy in the region. In November last year, a fire at a drug rehabilitation center in Langarud, located in the Gilan province, claimed the lives of at least 32 people.

Local authorities in Rasht are expected to release more information as the investigation progresses. The community is in mourning, and there is an outpouring of grief and support for the victims' families.