Bandar Abbas, Iran—A devastating explosion and subsequent fire erupted at the Shahid Rajaee port near Bandar Abbas, southern Iran, on Saturday, resulting in at least 14 fatalities and injuring over 750 individuals. The blast, which occurred around 12:10 PM local time, originated from several containers in the port’s wharf area, possibly containing hazardous materials or chemicals such as sodium perchlorate.
The explosion produced a massive fire and a plume of black smoke visible for kilometers. The shockwave shattered windows and caused structural damage to buildings several kilometers away, with the blast reportedly heard as far as Qeshm Island, located 26 kilometers south of Bandar Abbas.
Emergency services, including the Iranian Red Crescent Society, dispatched rapid response teams to the scene. Injured individuals were evacuated and transported to nearby medical facilities. Firefighting efforts, including aerial water drops by helicopters, were undertaken to control and extinguish the blaze. Efforts are still underway to contain fire.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the explosion. Preliminary assessments suggest that negligence in handling flammable materials may have contributed to the incident. The National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company stated that the explosion did not impact its infrastructure, including refineries, fuel tanks, distribution complexes, or oil pipelines.
President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed condolences to the victims’ families and dispatched Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni to oversee the response and investigation. The incident coincided with ongoing nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States in Oman, though no direct connection has been established between the talks and the explosion.
The Shahid Rajaee port is Iran’s largest commercial port, handling approximately 80 million tons of goods annually. Located near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, it serves as a critical hub for the country’s maritime trade.
In the wake of the explosion, port operations have been suspended, and residents in the vicinity have been advised to stay indoors due to potential chemical exposure. Schools in nearby Bandar Abbas have been temporarily closed as a precautionary measure.
The full extent of the damage and the long-term impact on port operations remain under assessment as authorities continue their investigation into this tragic incident.
