KABUL (Pajhwok): At least 21 people have been killed and 6,419 others wounded in fire-related incidents in Iran last month, a media report said on Thursday.
The fatalities indicated a 23 percent increase in casualties compared to last year, with negligence being the primary cause of accidents, IRNA reported.
It said the fatalities resulted from incidents related to the making, storing and using fireworks between Feb. 19 and March 18.
The report added the highest number of injuries was reported in the capital Tehran, followed by East Azarbaijan and West Azarbaijan provinces.
The traditional Fire Festival, also known as Chaharshanbe Suri, is celebrated by Iranians on the eve of the last Wednesday before Nowruz, the Iranian New Year, which falls on March 21.
The festival is celebrated with bonfires and firecrackers in public places as part of the rituals to bid farewell to the outgoing year and welcome the new one.
kk/mud
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