Dozens of casualties from massive explosion in North Iran

Unconfirmed local reports say that as many as 50 casualties could have been caused by an explosion and fire in the north Iranian commercial hub of Qazvin Tuesday.  It was initially reported that an explosion caused the fire at an atuo lubricants store, but this was later questioned. Roads to the scene within a 2km radius have been closed off and people evacuated. The fire has been burning for more than three hours and is not yet under control although firefighters, relief agencies such as the Red Cross as well as the military are on the scene.  Local media suggest that a nearby oil depot could be at risk. DEBKAfile:  Qazvin has no sensitive military or nuclear facilities.