103 people killed in two explosions near grave of Iran's top general Qasim Sulemani

At least 103 people were killed and more than 140 injured in two explosions as part of 'terrorist attacks' in Iran on Wednesday. State media has given this information. Iranian officials said on Wednesday that the explosions occurred during a ceremony organized in memory of top commander Qassem Soleimani, who was killed in a US drone attack in 2020.

Iranian state television reported two explosions, respectively, during an anniversary event at the cemetery in the southeastern city of Kerman, where Soleimani is buried, according to a report by various news agencies.

Earlier, state media quoted a local official in Kerman province as saying, "The explosions occurred as part of terrorist attacks." Iran's emergency services spokesman Babak Yektaparast had earlier said that 73 people were killed and 170 injured.

Semi-official Nornews had earlier said that "several gas canisters exploded on the road leading to the cemetery."

State TV showed Red Crescent rescue workers tending to injured people at the ceremony. Hundreds of Iranians had gathered to celebrate Soleimani's death anniversary. Some Iranian news agencies said the number of injured people was much higher.

"Our rapid response teams are evacuating the injured... but the crowds are blocking the roads," Reza Fallah, head of the Kerman province Red Crescent, told state TV.

TV footage showed the scene at the blast site which revealed the extent of carnage and chaos after the blasts. People were seen running for safety after the blasts. There were human limbs scattered all around and blood soaked people were seen lying on the grounds.