The death toll in a tower collapse in southwestern Iran rose to at least 38 on Sunday, state TV reported. The incident triggered a series of anti-government protests in Abadan.
Numerous local reports said more could be trapped in the destruction.
It's unclear how many more people remain unaccounted for in the collapse of the still under-construction tower at the Metropol Building in Abadan nearly two weeks ago.
The structural building failure in Khuzestan province has focused public attention on shoddy construction practices and prompted mass allegations of government corruption and negligence.
Protesters have gathered in mourning at the collapse site, denouncing top officials and demanding accountability, according to videos widely shared on social media and analyzed by The Associated Press.
Iranian authorities have disrupted internet access, restricting people’s ability to share videos and information.
