Eleven people were killed after a huge fire engulfed a teahouse in the southwestern Iranian city of Ahvaz in Khuzestan Province.
The blaze which broke out in the early hours of the morning on Tuesday destroyed the teahouse filled with pressurized canisters, according to Tasnim News Agency.
Firefighters arrived four minutes after the fire was reported and immediately went to the building where smoke was already too thick and dozens of people had been trapped inside.
They battled the fire and helped more than 40 people leave the teahouse.
Despite efforts made by firefighters, 11 people were killed and at least 8 others injured.
Three firemen were also among the injured.
Khuzestan Police Chief Heydar Abbaszadeh said an initial investigation to determine the cause of the fire showed a former employee of the teahouse had deliberately set the place on fire, apparently over settlement disputes.
He added that the police very soon arrested those behind the fire, who have all pleaded guilty to the charges.
