More than 720 people have been poisoned by mushrooms in western Iran and nine have died, local media reported Saturday, citing a spokesperson for the country's emergency services.

Axar.az informs citing ISNA.

As many as 721 people were poisoned in seven provinces, including Kermanshah and Kurdistan.

About 50 are in critical condition, according to the media outlet.

The Yasuj University of Medical Sciences said the toxic mushrooms are not distinguishable from edible ones.

The previous year, some 360 were poisoned by chlorine gas leakage in the southwestern Iranian city of Dezful, the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reported. Many of the victims were released from a hospital after receiving care back then.