At least 5 killed in Iran filming location explosionJanuary 8, 2014 - 21:34 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - At least five people have been killed and several seriously hurt in Iran in an explosion at a filming location, according to BBC News. The blast happened some 35km (21 miles) south of the capital Tehran, as explosives were being transported to a shoot on the Iraq-Iran war (1980-1988). The head of special effects, actors and members of the production team were among the dead, state media said. One crew member was quoted as saying live explosives were used because of an embargo on the import of dummy props. "The explosives are of the kind used in war zones. We had no choice but to use this type of explosive as the import of such material used for movies is banned," Abbass Shoghi was quoted by ISNA as saying. One Iranian news agency is reporting that a sixth person has died in hospital. Filming for Meerajiha, directed by Masoud Dehnamaki, began in September last year at the Sacred Defence Cinematic Town, a location where Iranian war films are usually made. The victims included Ali Akbar Ranjbar, the managing director of the film set, and Javad Sharifi Rad, director of special effects, Mehr news agency said. One of the actors told Mehr that explosives had accidentally detonated next to a vehicle belonging to Sharifi Rad. The film's premiere had been planned for the Fajr Film Festival in February. Related links: Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |