Thousands attend funeral for fallen Iranian firefighters

While some blame the fire on the number of garment shops, others accused the government of failing to equip firefighters with proper resources

January 30, 2017 12:13 PM

Iranian top officials pray before the flag draped coffins in the funeral of 16 firefighters killed in the collapse of a burning building on Jan. 19, in Tehran, Iran, Jan. 30, 2017.

By FireRescue1 Staff

TEHRAN, Iran — Thousands gathered Monday to mourn and pay their respects to the 16 firefighters who died after a burning high-rise collapsed earlier this month.

Funeral services were held inside a Tehran mosque, where the firefighters were dubbed martyrs, reported the Los Angeles Times. Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, called the firefighters heroes during the service.

Officials said the Jan. 19 fire was caused by an electrical short-circuit spark. Although initial reports said around 50 firefighters had been killed, the final count was 16. Four civilians were also killed in the collapse.

“I feel obliged to come here,” Alireza Mosavian said. “They sacrificed their lives for the people.”

While some blame the fire on the number of garment shops in the high-rise building, others accused the government of failing to equip firefighters with proper resources and gear.