TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — An explosion occurred in a container at a military site east of Tehran, leading to the death of one military personnel and injuring ten firefighters, Iranian media reported on Thursday.

The incident was reported by Iran's semi-official Mehr news agency, which stated that the fire initially broke out within the container. This was followed by an explosion as firefighters were engaged in efforts to extinguish the flames. The explosion raised concerns about safety protocols at military installations, particularly near populated areas.

According to other news outlets, among the ten firefighters affected, four were transported to the hospital for further treatment, while six others received treatment at the site due to minor injuries. The details surrounding the exact cause of the fire and subsequent explosion have not been disclosed, leaving many questions unanswered.

Jalal Maleki, a spokesperson for the Tehran Fire Department, reported that the fire erupted at approximately 1:30 p.m. on Thursday and involved a container measuring 50 square meters (538 square feet). The location of the incident is significant, as the area east of Tehran houses the headquarters of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and other military sites, which are in close proximity to dense residential neighborhoods.

Explosions at Iran's military sites are infrequent. However, in October, state media confirmed that explosions were audible in Tehran, attributing some of the sounds to air defense systems operational around the city. This occurred in the context of escalating tensions and a series of Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian military installations. These strikes were reportedly a response to missile attacks from Iran against Israel, further complicating the geopolitical landscape in the region.

Incidents involving explosions have a tragic history in Iran; notably, in 2010, Iran’s official IRNA news agency reported that 18 members of the Revolutionary Guard were killed in an explosion at a military base located in the western city of Khorramabad. This history underscores the ongoing risks associated with military operations and the handling of munitions in Iran.

As the investigation into the cause of Thursday's explosion continues, the incident raises critical questions regarding the safety measures in place at military facilities, especially those situated near civilian populations. The apparent lack of transparency regarding the incident's specifics may lead to increased scrutiny on how military and civil authorities manage such hazards moving forward.