A significant fire and explosion, suspected to be caused by a gas leak, occurred at a cosmetics factory near Tehran on Tuesday, injuring 53 individuals.

The incident occurred at a facility in Fardis, Alborz province, west of Tehran, where some of the victims are currently in critical condition, as stated by state media.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the blast was triggered within the production line of the factory, according to an official quoted by state TV. The injured individuals have been swiftly transferred to nearby hospitals for medical attention.

Ahmad Mahdavi, the head of the Emergency Medical Services Management Center of Alborz Province, provided an update, stating, "Overall, the general condition of most of the injured is good, and they are under medical care." He added that extensive damage occurred during the incident, and investigations into the precise cause are underway.

Hossein Ashouri, head of the Fire Department of Fardis Municipality, reported to the official Iranian news agency IRNA that "As a result of a widespread fire due to an explosion in a factory producing cosmetics and hygiene products in Simindasht of Fardis, some injuries and damages have occurred." Ashouri noted that the incident was reported to the Fardis Fire Department around 15:30, prompting immediate deployment of emergency response teams to the scene.

The previous week witnessed two bomb explosions in southeast Iran, resulting in the deaths of nearly 100 people and numerous injuries during a ceremony commemorating IRGC Commander Qasem Soleimani, who was killed by a US drone in 2020.