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Tehran Mosque Fire Kills Dozens, Injures Hundreds


15 February 2005 -- At least 59 people have been reported killed and more than 200 others injured from a fire at a mosque in the Iranian capital Tehran yesterday.

The official Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) said the blaze appeared to have started when the veil of a female worshipper accidentally caught fire from a heater in the women's section of the Arg Mosque, near Tehran's main bazaar.

Many of those believed killed or injured are women.

Reports quoting witnesses said panicked worshippers raced for the doors and smashed windows to escape the conflagration.

The tragedy comes as Shi'ite Muslims are attending mosques to commemorate the 7th-century death of the martyr Hossein, grandson of the Prophet Mohammed.

(Reuters/AP/AFP)

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