A fire broke out in a hospital in the northern part of Iran, resulting in the deaths of 9 patients. Government media reported this on Tuesday.

According to state television, the tragic incident occurred at Qaem Hospital in the city of Rasht, which is located approximately 330 kilometres (about 205 miles) northwest of the capital, Tehran.

The fire broke out around 1:30 AM local time on Monday night. Six women and three men lost their lives in this incident.

Cause of the Fire

Shahram Momeni, the head of the city's fire department, stated on government TV that the fire was caused by an electrical short circuit in the basement. The intensive care unit was located in that area.

Momeni mentioned that emergency personnel evacuated more than 140 individuals, including patients and hospital staff, and 120 of them were admitted to other medical facilities. He added that an investigation into the incident has been ordered.