Iran's oldest high-rise collapses after fire

Iran's oldest high-rise in southern Tehran collapsed on Thursday morning following a major fire in the building, leaving dozens of people injured. 

The 17-story structure crumbled after fire engulfed the top floors of the building in downtown Tehran as scores of firefighters battled the blaze.

The Fars news agency and the IRIB news website said at least 30 firefighters were feared to have been killed in the incident but officials did not confirm any deaths. 

Tehran Mayor Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said between 20 to 25 people are believed to have been trapped under the rubble. 

Fars said a firefighter had text-messaged a colleague, saying he was trapped along with several others at the building's engine room and were alive.    

Firefighters battled the blaze for several hours before the collapse as police kept out shopkeepers and others trying to rush back in to collect their valuables.

Nearby buildings including the embassies of Turkey and the UK have been evacuated. Authorities at Tehran's governor's office have ruled out terrorism.  

The tower was inaugurated in 1962 and named after a plastics manufacturing company. It was the tallest building in the city at the time of its construction. It included shopping centers and clothing workshops.