Massive fire engulfs motorcycle factory in Mashhad, Iran

On May 4, a massive fire erupted at a motorcycle factory in the northeastern Iranian city of Mashhad, engulfing nearly 4,000 square metres of industrial space and sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky, local officials confirmed.

The blaze broke out near the Electro Steel plant and rapidly spread through a nearby warehouse packed with tires and cardboard—materials that significantly fueled the inferno, Caliber.Az reports, citing Middle Eastern media.

According to Iran’s Civil Defence Organisation, the incident was classified as a “large-scale” emergency, prompting a coordinated response from multiple firefighting units.

“The fire is massive and visible from a distance,” said the director of Mashhad’s Fire Department, speaking to state media. Firefighting teams were quickly dispatched to the site along Nabi al-Azam Road in an effort to contain the flames and prevent further spread.

Despite the intensity of the fire, no casualties have been reported so far. Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the incident, but an investigation is underway.

This latest industrial accident comes amid a troubling pattern of similar events nationwide. Just hours before the Mashhad fire, another blaze was reported in the city of Qom. Last week, a deadly explosion rocked Shahid Rajaee Port in Bandar Abbas, raising broader concerns about industrial safety standards in Iran.

Local residents reported seeing large columns of smoke rising above the industrial district, with some businesses in the area temporarily closing as a precaution.

Emergency crews are continuing to battle the fire, and officials have urged the public to avoid the vicinity.

By Khagan Isayev