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Tanker blaze in Kurdistan
A fuel tanker caught fire in Iran’s Kurdistan Province after a traffic accident near the Hamadan–Sanandaj police checkpoint, according to reports from a team on the ground.
“At least 11 people have been killed, according to the local Red Crescent”
The local Red Crescent said at least 11 people were killed, and several firefighting teams were sent to the scene, the acting head of the Sanandaj Fire Department said.
Another report, citing Mehr News, said a fuel tanker explosion following a traffic accident on the Sanandaj-Hamedan highway killed 10 people and injured five others.
The incident was described as involving a tanker that exploded and caught fire, with the fire spreading to several vehicles at the scene.
In the account from Kurdistan Province, the tanker was traveling from Hamadan toward Mariwan when a mechanical fault in the braking system caused it to collide with a bus, followed by a large explosion and fire at the site.
Casualty counts diverge
Casualty figures differed across outlets, with one report stating the death toll reached 11 and another saying 10 people were killed and five were injured.
In the account attributed to Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Babak Hedayi said: "Following a traffic accident on the Sanandaj-Hamedan highway, a fuel tanker exploded and caught fire".
A separate local briefing in Kurdistan Province said the city governor, Gharib Sajjadi, stated that the tanker’s braking malfunction led to a collision with a bus and then an explosion and fire.
Shafaq News, citing Iranian media, quoted Babak Hadaei saying: "Unfortunately, this accident was catastrophic and resulted in 10 deaths."
Other reports also described firefighting and rescue efforts continuing, including teams dispatched to control the fire and prevent its spread.
Firefighting and investigations
Rescue and firefighting operations were described as ongoing as authorities investigated what caused the crash and subsequent fire.
“The five injured people were taken to Kowsar Hospital in Sanandaj”
The acting head of the Sanandaj Fire Department said several firefighting teams were sent to the scene, while other local accounts said fire brigades from across the city rushed to control the blaze and prevent its spread.
One report said the five injured people were taken to Kowsar Hospital in Sanandaj, while another said seven injured were transported to Qothar Hospital in Sanandaj.
In police and traffic reporting, Colonel Ahmad Karmiasad said rescue operations and expert and technical investigations by the traffic police at the scene were still ongoing.
He also emphasized that the exact cause and final count of fatalities and injuries had not been determined, stating: "at present, the exact cause of the incident and the final count of fatalities and injuries have not been determined".