Bandar Abbas, Iran — A massive explosion at the Shahid Rajaee port in southern Iran has left at least 14 people dead and over 750 others injured amid ongoing firefighting efforts, state media reported. The incident, which sent a thick cloud of smoke billowing into the sky, is believed to be connected to stored chemicals in the port’s warehouse facilities.
Iran’s Minister of Interior, Eskandar Momeni, announced that six individuals are still unaccounted for as crews battle the severe blaze, which has been complicated by high winds. Footage geolocated by independent sources showed the explosion occurring in a section of the port. While authorities are currently focused on extinguishing the fire, they have yet to determine the precise cause.
A government spokesperson stated that the investigation will take time but emphasized that chemical containers likely played a critical role in the explosion. She noted that until the fire is fully contained, it would be challenging to accurately assess the situation.
In response to increased air pollution levels following the explosion, local officials declared a state of emergency in Bandar Abbas to protect residents. The Ministry of Health has set up health teams and recommended that citizens remain indoors, limit outdoor activities, and keep windows shut.
A video released by the Mehr news agency captured the moment of the explosion from surveillance cameras, while other clips showed helicopters conducting water drops on the blaze. The devastation left debris scattered across the vicinity, with reports indicating that numerous structures within the port complex sustained significant damage. Witnesses reported shattered windows several kilometers from the blast site.
The regional governor, Mohammad Ashouri Taziani, confirmed that injured individuals are receiving treatment at medical facilities in Bandar Abbas. Maritime operations at the port have been suspended as safety measures are put into place.
In light of the tragedy, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has directed an immediate investigation into the causes of the explosion. He expressed concern over the incident and indicated that the interior minister has been dispatched to the site for a firsthand evaluation.
The port, a vital hub for container shipping, spans approximately 2,400 hectares and processes around 70 million tons of cargo annually, including oil shipments. The explosion has resonated throughout Iran, with citizens, moved by the tragedy, lining up at health centers to donate blood for those injured.
As the situation develops, authorities remain focused on both immediate efforts to control the fire and the longer-term implications of this devastating event on the region’s public safety and infrastructure.