32 killed in building collapse in SW Iran

Thirty-two bodies have so far been recovered from the rubble of a 10-storey commercial building collapse in the southwestern Iranian city of Abadan, the official news agency IRNA reported on Monday.

The rescuers have sped up debris removal at the scene in Khuzestan Province to find the rest of the trapped persons, it reported.

The exact number of missing people is unknown, but it is estimated that some 35 others are still trapped under the ruins.

On Sunday, the Iranian government announced nationwide mourning to honor the victims of the disaster.

The Mizan news agency of the Iranian judiciary reported that 10 people were arrested for the incident, in which the building's owner and contractor were killed.

The under-construction building, known as Metropol, was on a crowded street in downtown Abadan, surrounded by commercial and medical complexes and offices. Parts of the building collapsed suddenly last Monday, trapping dozens of people beneath the rubble. (ANI/Xinhua)

( With inputs from ANI )

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