Massive Explosion at Iranian Port Claims Four Lives, Injures Hundreds

BANDAR ABBAS, Iran — Four people are dead and over 500 injured following a massive explosion at the Shahid Rajaee port in southwestern Iran on Saturday, local authorities reported. The blast appears linked to chemicals stored at the port, which is Iran’s largest facility for container shipments.

According to Iranian state media, the explosion sent thick, gray smoke into the sky and caused significant damage to the port complex. Eyewitnesses described the shockwave, which shattered windows up to several kilometers away and caused extensive damage to surrounding buildings.

Emergency services confirmed the fatalities and reported that injuries included a wide range of conditions, with many victims requiring immediate medical attention. Videos from the scene showed helicopters dropping water on the resulting fire while ambulances rushed to transport the injured.

The explosion seemingly originated in a warehouse where containers were stored, though the exact cause is still under investigation. Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian called for a thorough inquiry into the incident. He noted that the interior minister has been dispatched to the site to assess the situation.

Fatemeh Mohajerani, a government spokesperson, indicated that preliminary investigations suggest the explosion was due to hazardous materials in the containers. “While we suspect chemical factors, determining the exact cause will take time,” she stated.

The Shahid Rajaee port, which spans about 2,400 hectares and handles approximately 70 million tons of cargo annually, has faced scrutiny over safety practices in the past. Concerns about the storage of flammable materials have been raised, especially after previous incidents that resulted in significant damage and loss.

Mehrdad Hasanzadeh, a provincial disaster management official, noted that responders were actively working to evacuate trapped individuals and contain the fire that erupted following the explosion. The port has since been closed, and all maritime operations have been suspended.

This tragic event unfolds as Iran is engaged in ongoing negotiations with the United States regarding its nuclear program. There is currently no indication that the explosion and the diplomatic discussions are connected. However, the Iranian state media provided multiple reports highlighting the frequency of industrial accidents at aging facilities across the country.

As relief efforts continue, the Iranian government faces renewed calls to address safety protocols at vulnerable sites like the Shahid Rajaee port.