Official: Iran explosion caused by accident not attack

Tehran: The explosion in a mosque in Iran that killed at least 10 people was caused by an accident and not an attack, a senior Interior Ministry official said on Sunday.

Contradicting earlier media reports, official IRNA news agency quoted the deputy interior minister in charge of national security as saying: “Last night's explosion in Shiraz was as a consequence of an accident and not the planting of a bomb.''

Details were not released but state Press TV television said the blast may have been "caused by explosives left behind from an earlier exhibition commemorating" the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war.

Fars News Agency also quoted commander of security forces in the southern Fars province as saying: "Based on the initial evaluation, the Saturday night explosion ... has not been intentional or sabotage.''

"The cause of the incident was probably laxness since a defence fair was held at this place some time ago. There is a possibility that the remaining ammunition at this place was the factor behind this explosion," he added.

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman said the investigation was continuing, stressing that no pre-judgement should be made.