Tehran: A powerful explosion at Iran’s major Shahid Rajaee port, near the southern city of Bandar Abbas, has killed at least 40 people and injured nearly 1000. The blast occurred early Saturday morning, causing widespread devastation in the region.
The explosion was so strong that it was felt up to 50 kilometers away. Roofs of nearby buildings collapsed, windows shattered, and vehicles were destroyed. Heavy smoke from the resulting fire spread across Bandar Abbas, prompting the closure of local schools and universities.
According to Iranian state media, six people remain missing, and efforts are underway to locate them. Authorities stated that nearly 1000 injured individuals were transported to hospitals, with 190 still receiving treatment while the rest have been discharged.
Mojtaba Ghahramani, an official from the Hormozgan Province forensic department, reported that 21 bodies have been received so far, with four more in the process of being transferred. Officials warn that the death toll could rise further and have appealed for blood donations at hospitals.
The cause of the explosion has not yet been officially identified. However, initial reports suggest the blast originated from containers that were not properly sealed, with some suggesting the presence of highly flammable chemicals contributed to the intensity of the explosions.
Eyewitnesses described an initial small fire that quickly grew out of control due to the extremely hot 40-degree Celsius weather, eventually triggering multiple explosions. Images published by Iranian media show widespread destruction across the port, particularly to administrative buildings.
Esmaeil Maki Zadeh, deputy head of Hormozgan’s Ports and Maritime Organization, confirmed that emergency rescue teams have been deployed by sea, land, and air, and that all cargo operations at the port have been suspended.
The National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company released a statement clarifying that the explosion had no connection to its refineries, oil depots, distribution complexes, or pipelines in the region.
Rescue operations are ongoing, with workers reported to be trapped under collapsed structures as efforts continue to recover them safely.
