17 Killed in Iran Explosion

Posted November 12th, 2011 at 2:40 pm (UTC-5)
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Iranian officials say a massive explosion at an ammunition depot west of Tehran has killed at least 17 members of the country's elite Revolutionary Guards.

State media reports say a senior guard commander died in the incident. At least 16 other people were injured in the blast with some in critical condition.

A spokesman for the elite military unit said an initial investigation indicated the explosion occurred as military forces were moving ammunition at the facility. Investigators say they do not suspect foul play.

The powerful blast damaged nearby buildings and could be felt 40 kilometers away in the capital.