At least eight people have died and 36 others were injured after a fire broke out at a shopping centre west of Tehran. <\/p>\n
The blaze spread rapidly, with authorities pointing to flammable exterior cladding as a key factor behind the intensity of the fire, News.Az<\/a> reports, citing Reuters<\/a>.<\/p>\n Footage circulating on local media showed thick plumes of smoke rising from the site as emergency services worked to contain the flames.<\/p>\n Fire<\/a> officials as saying the building materials contributed to the speed at which the fire escalated, complicating rescue efforts.<\/p>\n The cause of the fire has not yet been officially confirmed, and investigations are expected to determine how the incident started.<\/p>\n The blaze comes at a time of heightened tensions in the region, though there is no indication the fire is linked to ongoing geopolitical developments.<\/p>\n Emergency responders were able to bring the situation under control after several hours, while authorities continue to assess the damage and provide treatment to the injured.<\/p>\n