6 killed in fireworks blasts across Iran ahead of Fire Festival

At least six people were killed and 458 others injured in fireworks explosions across Iran in the past 26 days leading up to the Fire Festival, which will be celebrated on Tuesday, reported Xinhua, quoting Iran's official news agency IRNA on Monday.

Of those injured, 60 were hospitalized, IRNA reported, quoting Babak Yektaparast, spokesman for Iran's Emergency Medical Services Organization, who offered details on casualties related to the making, storing, and use of fireworks between Feb. 19 and March 16.

He said 44 people had underwent amputations, 88 sustained eye injuries, and 219 suffered burns.

The traditional Fire Festival, also known as Chaharshanbe Suri, is celebrated by Iranians on the eve of the last Wednesday before Nowruz, the Iranian New Year, which falls on March 21 this year. Each year, casualties are reported in the lead-up to the festival due to the making, storing, and early use of fireworks.

The festival is celebrated by jumping over bonfires and using firecrackers in public places as part of the rituals to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one.