(MENAFN) At least 18 people were injured in a powerful gas explosion that tore through a commercial building in the northern Iranian city of Rasht on Sunday, media reported.

The blast occurred on Bahonar Street and destroyed three commercial units, according to Shahram Momeni, head of Rasht’s fire department, who spoke with the media.

Momeni confirmed that all injured individuals were taken to local medical facilities for treatment. Emergency crews—including six operational teams and multiple firefighting units—were dispatched to the scene shortly after the explosion.

Momeni stated that everyone injured in the blast had been transported to medical facilities, noting that search-and-clear operations had concluded with no individuals discovered under the debris.

Authorities are still working to determine the cause of the blast. Momeni emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and that the exact source of the explosion has not yet been identified.

The incident has sparked concern among local residents and raised questions about gas safety protocols in the region.

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