A powerful explosion followed by a significant fire at Iran’s Shahid Rajaei port, near the southern city of Bandar Abbas, has left at least 516 people injured, as per the reports of Iranian Media.
The incident occurred around midday in the port’s customs area, a critical economic hub that handles approximately 80 million tons of goods annually. Preliminary investigations suggest the explosion originated from shipping containers storing hazardous chemicals and flammable materials.
The blast caused significant damage across the port and surrounding areas, with reports of shattered windows several kilometres away. Due to the force of the explosion, at least one building is believed to have been destroyed or collapsed.
Emergency services were immediately deployed to manage the situation, evacuate personnel, and prevent the fire from spreading further.
Authorities have launched a full investigation into the cause of the incident. Initial assessments suggest potential negligence in the storage and handling of hazardous materials. Despite the intensity of the explosion, Iran’s National Petroleum Refining and Distribution Company confirmed that nearby oil facilities remained unaffected.
This incident is particularly sensitive, given that Iran is currently engaged in ongoing nuclear negotiations with the United States in Oman.
The Shahid Rajaei port, a vital node for Iran’s international trade, was previously targeted in a suspected cyberattack in 2020, which Tehran attributed to Israel.
Officials have urged residents to stay away from the affected areas as emergency teams continue to secure the site and assess the full extent of the damage.
