US citizens detained in Iran safe after Evin prison fire

Eight people killed in blaze, say Iranian authorities

Damage caused by a fire in the notorious Evin prison, north-west of Iranian capital Tehran. AFP

Eight prisoners were killed and more than 60 were injured in the blaze. AFP

An Evin prison workshop following the fire. AP

The site of clashes in a ward of the notorious jail, which holds political prisoners and dual-national detainees. AP

A fire truck stands in front of a charred building after a fire broke out at the prison. EPA

Inside Evin prison a few hours after the fire. AFP

The blaze has caused significant damage to the prison. AFP

Iranian state media quoted a security official blaming 'criminal elements' for unrest in the jail. AFP

The Iranian judiciary said a prison workshop was set on fire 'after a fight among a number of prisoners convicted of financial crimes and theft'. AFP

A fire engine drives towards the fire. AFP

Smoke rises from Evin prison in Tehran. AFP

Flames and thick smoke engulf the prison, which is in the north-west of the Iranian capital. AFP

The fire broke out amid protests across Iran over the death of Mahsa Amini, 22, following her arrest by the country's morality police. AFP

Amini died on September 16. AFP

Iranian protesters gather on a road leading to the Evin prison. AFP

Protests have been held in cities across Iran after Amini's death. AFP

Iranian students chant 'freedom' at the University of Science and Culture in Tehran. AFP

Students sing the national anthem during a sit-in at the Art University in the central city of Isfahan. AFP

More students in the rally at Tehran's University of Science and Culture. AFP

American citizens being held in Iran’s Evin prison were not hurt when a deadly fire broke out at the notorious detention centre, the US Department of State said on Monday.

“The detained US citizens in Iran are accounted for and they are safe,” said Vedant Patel, a spokesman at the State Department.

Eight people have been confirmed killed in the fire, which broke out during a fight between prisoners in a sewing workshop, according to Iran's judiciary.

On Monday, Iran's chief justice blamed “enemy agents” for being behind the fire, which occurred as anti-government protests engulfed the country.

Several Americans are being held in Iran. These include Emad Sahrgi, an Iranian-American detained since 2018, and Siamak Namazi, a dual citizen who was recently released on furlough only to be returned to Evin prison last week.

The State Department once again called on Iran to release “all wrongfully detained US citizens”, Mr Patel said.