Tehran: The death toll from a devastating explosion and subsequent fire at the Shahid Rajaee port in Iran’s southern city of Bandar Abbas continues to rise, reaching 70 as of Monday, with dozens more still missing.
According to Hormozgan Province officials, 22 people remain unaccounted for, while authorities are working to identify 22 unidentified bodies.
The Iranian Ministry of Interior announced that firefighting operations have concluded, though rescue and recovery efforts are still underway. Hormozgan Governor stated that clearing the area and relocating containers may take up to two weeks.
Following the incident, the Iranian government declared a national day of mourning across the country on Monday, April 28 in honor of the victims.
Over 1,200 people were injured in the explosion, with around 190 still hospitalized. Due to heavy smoke and contamination, all schools and government offices in Bandar Abbas and the nearby Qeshm region have been temporarily closed.
Russia has sent three firefighting aircraft to assist with the emergency response. Russian President Vladimir Putin also extended condolences and offered support, while Russia’s ambassador to Iran, Kazem Jalali, said the aircraft were dispatched urgently despite a public holiday.
Maherdad Hasan Zadeh, head of crisis management in Hormozgan, reported that approximately 80% of the fire has been brought under control, with both ground and aerial firefighting units engaged.
The explosion occurred on Saturday morning, April 26 at the Shahid Rajaee port, Iran’s largest commercial port, near Bandar Abbas. The blast was so powerful it destroyed nearby rooftops, shattered windows, and damaged vehicles. Its impact was felt up to 50 kilometers away.
Iran's Civil Defense officials confirmed 752 people were transferred to hospitals for treatment, and authorities fear the death toll may rise. Blood donations have been widely requested.
Officials have not yet determined the cause of the explosion. However, reports suggest that it began with a small fire that rapidly escalated due to extremely high temperatures—around 40°C—and may have been intensified by the presence of chemical materials in improperly sealed containers.
Photos and videos shared by Iranian media show widespread destruction, particularly to administrative buildings. Witnesses say parts of a collapsed building buried workers underneath, prompting ongoing rescue efforts.
A deputy from the Hormozgan Ports Authority confirmed that cargo operations at the affected port have been suspended. Meanwhile, Iran's National Oil Refining and Distribution Company clarified that the explosion did not affect any of its refineries, oil storage facilities, or pipelines in the area.
Investigations continue as emergency crews work to recover survivors and contain further risks.
