30 FIREFIGHTERS KILLED IN HIGH- RISE COLLAPSE IN IRAN

At least 30 firefighters were killed Thursday when an iconic, high- rise building in the Iranian capital of Tehran caught fire and collapsed, local media reported.

The blaze broke out in the 17story Plasco trade center just north of Tehran's sprawling bazaar. The cause wasn't immediately known.

Press TV reported scores of firefighters battling the blaze for several hours while police kept out traders who tried to return to collect their belongings. Press TV reported an official said between 50 and 100 people were believed to be trapped under the rubble.

More than 200 injured people were sent to hospitals, IRNA said. The building is the oldest high- rise in the country, according to Press TV. IRNA said it was a center for making clothing.