Iranian security forces used tear gas against protesters who showed their rage over a house race that claimed at least 28 lives.
The Metropol building in Abadan in southwestern Iran was under construction and would be ten stories high. But on Monday, the house collapsed and according to the latest official death toll, 28 people died.
More people may have been in the building, which was completely demolished.
The construction accident is one of the most serious that has occurred in Iran, and it arouses anger among residents of the city. They blame the accident on incompetent leadership and lack of control, and the protests that have been going on for three days are growing in strength.
Authorities are aware of the dissatisfaction, and Vice President Mohammad Mokhber has expressed his condolences to the relatives of the victims during a visit to the scene.
Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi was in Abadan on Saturday and then confirmed two more deaths, writes the state news agency Irna. However, there is no information on how many are missing.
But during the night towards Saturday, the patience of the population grew again, and police fired tear gas to disperse protesters. Police also fired warning shots.
The protests have been going on for three days and are spreading to several other cities, including Isfahan, Yazd and Shahin Shahr.
In an unusual move by Iran’s top leadership, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei chose to go out with the message that those responsible should be arrested and punished.