Hana Human Rights Organization expresses deep concern regarding the massive fire that broke out on the evening of Tuesday, May 5th, at the Arghavan Commercial Complex located in Phase 4 of Andisheh, Shahriar County. The organization views this incident as a dire warning regarding the serious lack of oversight concerning safety standards for public and commercial buildings in Iran.
According to official reports, the fire originated from the building’s facade and rapidly spread to all floors. The disaster claimed the lives of at least 11 citizens and left 41 others injured. Emergency medical services reported that most victims were treated on-site, with only one individual hospitalized due to the severity of their injuries.
The Arghavan Commercial Complex, which housed over 250 commercial units, 50 offices, and several sports facilities, suffered extensive financial losses and severe structural destruction. The intensity of the flames and the massive columns of smoke were reportedly visible from various parts of West Tehran and Karaj. Despite initial statements suggesting no one was trapped, search and rescue operations continued for hours to locate potential survivors inside the building.
Hana Human Rights Organization emphasizes that the recurrence of such tragedies highlights the urgent need for accountability from authorities responsible for:
Urban oversight
Building safety
Implementation of protective standards
In response to the incident, the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor of Shahriar announced the arrest warrants for the building’s developer and the individual identified as the primary cause of the fire. This action was taken as part of an investigation into potential negligence and to identify those responsible for the catastrophe.
Hana Human Rights Organization calls for a transparent, independent, and comprehensive investigation into the causes of the fire, the extent of safety violations, and the role of relevant oversight bodies. The organization underscores the fundamental right of all citizens to live and work in safe environments.