Tehran Plasco Collapse Update: Dozens Killed After Iconic High-Rise Building Catches Fire

UPDATE: 5:59 a.m. EST — Iranian President Hassan Rouhani issued a brief statement Thursday to express his sadness over the Tehran building collapse that killed at least 30 people and injured dozens others.

He also wrote that “immediate compensation” will be given to the victims. An investigation will be launched to determine the cause of the accident.

Original story:

A major commercial building in Tehran collapsed after it caught fire, killing 30 firefighters and leaving dozens trapped under the rubble, Iranian state media reported Thursday. More than 200 firefighters arrived at the iconic Plasco building to contain the blaze.

According to local reports, more than 50 people were injured after the 17-story building that holds a shopping center and clothing workshops collapsed. The building was evacuated after the fire broke out but reports said that several people were still inside when the collapse happened.

"Many are feared trapped under the rubble. Shopkeepers and shoppers were still inside the building when the fire and collapse happened," state-owned Press TV said, adding that "tens" of firefighters may also have been inside when it collapsed.

Roads leading to the building were blocked by police, while the embassies of England and Germany were also evacuated.

"We had repeatedly warned the building managers about the lack of safety of the building," fire brigade spokesman Jalal Malekias reportedly said, adding that it lacked fire extinguishers. "Even in the stairwells, a lot of clothing is stored and this is against safety standards. The managers didn't pay attention to the warnings."