5 killed, 80 trapped after building collapses in Iran

International Desk Published: 24 May 2022, 08:47 AM
5 killed, 80 trapped after building collapses in Iran
The 10-story commercial building under construction collapsed killing several people in the southwestern city of Abadan, Iran on Monday, May 23, 2022.

At least five people were killed and 27 people injured when a 10-story building collapsed in the southwest city of Abadan in the Iranian province of Khuzestan on Monday, the Iranian Red Crescent said, reports CNN.

At least 80 people remain trapped under the rubble, the Red Crescent said.

Videos and pictures shared by the organization showed rescue teams at the site removing rubble and debris from a destroyed building. One helicopter, 12 teams, and sniffer dogs were dispatched as the rescue operation continues, the Red Crescent said.

"Adjacent buildings nearby also have unstable conditions and are at risk of collapse," it added.

The owner of the building and the contractor were both arrested, the Abadan special prosecutor said according to Iranian media. The cause of the collapse is under investigation, Iran state media said.