IRNA � Funeral procession of 16 Iranian firefighters, martyred in Plasco Building fire and collapse, started in Tehran on Monday, attended by tens of thousands of mourning people.


After prayers for their bodies at Imam Khomeini's Mosalla Prayers Ground, the firefighters are to be laid in rest in Behesht Zahra Cemetery in south of Tehran.

The bodies of 16 firefighters and four citizens were recovered after nine days of intensive search operation.

The iconic Plasco Trade Center in downdown Tehran came down after fire engulfed the top floors of the 17-storey building on January 19. The firefighters were inside the building to rescue people trapped there when it collapsed.

The tragic incident caused deep shock and sorrow among people in Iran and across the world. Many officials from different countries offered their condolences to the Iranian government and people.