Iran: At Least 32 Killed in Fire at Drug Rehab Center

Facts

• According to Iranian state-run news outlets, at least 32 people were killed and 16 others injured after a fire broke out at a drug rehabilitation center in Langarud, a city in the northern Gilan province, on Friday.¹
• While an investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the blaze, several suspects, including the center manager, have already been arrested, according to Gilan's Chief Justice Esmail Sadeghi.²
• A preliminary probe suggests that a heater in the opium rehabilitation facility had sparked the fire, sending plumes of smoke into the air and damaging its roof and windows.³
• Though there was no immediate information about the number of people admitted to the center, the judiciary-affiliated Mizan news agency claims the facility could accommodate up to 40 patients.⁴
• Meanwhile, Gilan's deputy governor, Mohammad Jalai, blamed the overcrowded facility for heavy casualties, saying those receiving treatment couldn't freely leave the facility.⁵
• Although Iran — which reportedly has one of the world's highest rates of opiate use — imposes capital punishment on repeat drug traffickers and dealers, it runs several rehabilitation programs to fight drug addiction.⁶

Sources: ¹The New York Times, ²Forbes, ³Iran international, ⁴Radiofreeeurope/radioliberty, ⁵Barrons and ⁶BBC News.

Narratives

• Pro-Iran narrative, as provided by IRNA. This tragic incident in a privately-run drug addiction treatment center in the Gilan province has shocked the Iranian nation. But Tehran has rightly launched a prompt investigation and already taken measures to hold those responsible accountable.
• Anti-Iran narrative, as provided by Zamaneh. Drug addicted Iranians have long been subjected to physical and mental abuses during their stay in rehabilitation centers. This was a tragedy waiting to happen as such a treatment would eventually bring about heavy casualties in the event of a catastrophe similar to a blaze tearing through the building.

Predictions