TEHRAN: A fire at the Arghavan Commercial Complex shopping center in Andisheh city, located about 30 kilometers west of Iran’s capital Tehran, has killed at least eight people and injured 36 others.

According to Iranian Students’ News Agency (ISNA), citing head of the local fire control department, the blaze was reported at around 4:40 pm local time.

Officials said more than 250 commercial units were operating inside the building.

Officials stated that the fire spread rapidly due to the mixed materials used on the building’s facade.

ISNA, quoting Iran’s Red Crescent Society, reported that rescue and search operations are underway at the site, with trained dogs deployed to assist in locating survivors.