The Plasco building was built in 1962 by the prominent businessman Habib Elghanian, during a decade of rapid growth in Iran.

[2] At the time of its construction it was the tallest building in Iran,[1] and was considered an iconic landmark of the Tehran skyline, representing the drive for modernization under the rule of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.

[3] The collapse was captured on camera by Iran's state-run Press TV, which was filming the firefighting efforts.

[12] The remains of 15 firefighters were recovered after nine days of relief and rescue operations[citation needed], which were aided by the local military.

[13] Tens of thousands of Iranians, including firefighters and senior officials, attended the funeral ceremony held at Tehran's Grand Mosalla.

[17] In April 2017 the government issued a report on the collapse of the building which stated that the Mostazafan Foundation had ignored warnings given by the authorities.