Iran (IMNA) - According to the latest figures from Iranian authorities, at least 14 people have been killed and approximately 750 others injured in the incident, which resulted in widespread destruction at Iran’s largest commercial port. The powerful blast, reportedly originating from hazardous and chemical materials stored in shipping containers, sent thick black smoke billowing over the area and was felt up to 50 kilometers away.
Firefighters and emergency crews rushed to the scene as the fire quickly spread to nearby containers. Strong winds hampered firefighting efforts, while helicopters were seen dropping water on the blaze as dense smoke engulfed the port and surrounding neighborhoods. The shockwave from the explosion severely damaged many port buildings and led to the closure of schools and offices in Bandar Abbas, more than 20 kilometers from the blast site.
The cause of the explosion remains under investigation. Preliminary reports from local officials and crisis management authorities suggest that negligence in the handling and storage of flammable and chemical materials contributed to the disaster. Some officials have indicated that the blast originated from several containers at the port’s wharf area, with warnings about potential dangers reportedly issued to port authorities prior to the incident.
Amid the tragedy, messages of sympathy and offers of assistance poured in from countries including Russia, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Turkmenistan, Qatar, and Venezuela. The Emir of Qatar and the Saudi Arabian Foreign Ministry both sent formal condolences to Iranian leaders, expressing solidarity and readiness to aid in recovery efforts. Turkmenistan’s foreign minister also conveyed his country’s sympathies in a call with his Iranian counterpart.
In response to the large number of casualties, dozens of Iranians lined up in Bandar Abbas and other cities to donate blood for the victims. The Disaster and Crisis Management Department has declared a state of emergency across all hospitals in the city.
Despite the scale of the explosion, the National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company confirmed that the blast was not connected to oil refineries, fuel storage, or pipelines at the port, and oil facilities in Bandar Abbas continue to operate without interruption.
The Shahid Rajaee Port, located near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, is a critical hub for Iran’s container traffic and global oil transit. The incident occurred as Iran was engaged in high-level nuclear talks with the United States in Oman, though officials have not indicated any connection between the events.
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