[IranWire] Morteza Rezaei, former commander of the Tehran Police and a member of the City Council, arrived at the scene of the Plasco fire just a few hours after the 17-floor building had collapsed, killing dozens of firefighters and other victims. A firefighter, who had been clearing the debris when Rezaei arrived, stopped his work and vented his frustration, rage and fatigue, built up since early in the morning, at the city official.
| “At this moment we have 141 fire trucks, of which 56 have been retired or broken down,” said that report. “84 of the trucks are in working order.” A member of the City Council also told Iranian media that 365 is the “optimum” number of fire truck Tehran needs to maintain an effective defense against fire. |
“What are you looking at?” he shouted at Rezaei. “Give money so we can buy equipment. This one is done for. It was finished several years ago.” The tense muscles in his neck reflected his increasing rage.
“When we need money, why don’t you give it?” he shouted. “Why do we have to send letter after letter?” Rezaei just looked on — bewildered and silent, as if he too was exhausted and had nothing to offer but silence. His silence will surely be remembered by reporters and others on the scene. |
