TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — A fire at a private drug rehabilitation center in northern Iran killed another 32 people Friday, according to Iranian state media, five more than earlier.
State television said another 16 people were wounded and taken to hospitals in Langroud, a city about 200 kilometers (125 miles) northwest of the capital, Tehran.
The TV report said the center had a capacity of 40 patients. It’s unclear exactly how many members were running when the fire broke out in the early morning. The previous broadcast reported 27 dead and 17 wounded.
One video showed flames and smoke rising into a dark sky. The fire was later extinguished and the government was investigating the cause of its outbreak, according to the television report.
The head of Iran’s judiciary, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, has ordered a thorough investigation.
Deadly fires are not unusual in the country, mainly due to the failure to comply with protective measures, the aging of facilities and the inadequacy of emergency services.