Thousands of people injured during Iran's fire festival: What happened
During the New Year's Eve celebration in Iran, Chaharshandbeh Sur, when it is accustomed to jump over bonfires set up in the streets, 3,267 people were injured. The death toll reached 14.
Ambulances brought 463 people to hospitals. Of these, 189 patients lost limbs, 981 people suffered burns, and 1070 had injured eyes, the Iranian Mehr News Agency reports.
Muslims celebrate the ancient fire festival of Chaharshanbeh Suri before the New Year, Nowruz, which comes on March 21. The festivities, symbolizing the arrival of spring and the rebirth of nature, begin two to three weeks before the last Wednesday of the calendar year. At this time, people build bonfires in the streets and start jumping over them.
Firecrackers and fireworks were added to the traditional customs. Most often, pyrotechnics are made independently, so they are very dangerous for others.
As TravelWise reported earlier, Iran confirmed the suspension of flights to Saudi Arabia. The Iranians intended to travel to the holy land after an 8-year break. However, an Iran Air spokesperson confirmed the cancellation of the flights, saying that the reason was "technical differences."
