Massive Explosion at Iranian Port Leaves 28 Dead & alot Injured

A devastating explosion rocked the Shahid Rajaee port complex in Bandar Abbas, southern Iran, resulting in the deaths of at least 28 people and injuring over 800 others, according to Iranian state media.

Thick gray smoke could be seen billowing into the sky from the affected area of the port, as shown in videos verified by several outlets. Authorities suggested the explosion may have originated from chemical containers stored at the site, though a definitive cause has yet to be determined.

Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni reported that six individuals remain missing while firefighting efforts continue. Strong winds have hampered attempts to bring the blaze under control, making it difficult for emergency crews to fully contain the fire.

Speaking to local media, government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani stated that while preliminary findings suggest the explosion involved chemical materials stored in a specific section of the port, a complete assessment can only be made once the fire is extinguished.

Meanwhile, Iran’s National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company confirmed that nearby refineries, fuel storage facilities, and oil pipelines were not connected to the blast. Earlier reports had speculated that a fuel tanker might have been involved, but this link has since been ruled out.

In response to the disaster, officials in Bandar Abbas declared a state of emergency. The Ministry of Health deployed emergency teams and issued warnings advising residents to stay indoors, limit outdoor activities, and seal their homes to protect against the sudden surge in air pollution caused by the explosion.

Surveillance footage released by local news outlets captured the moment the blast occurred inside a warehouse, while additional videos showed helicopters flying over the site, releasing water onto the raging flames.

The explosion caused extensive damage across a wide radius. Debris was scattered across large sections of the port, and many nearby buildings suffered severe destruction. Reports indicated that windows shattered several kilometers from the blast site, and some individuals were trapped under the rubble of collapsed structures.

Mohammad Ashouri Taziani, the governor of the region, stated that the wounded were being transferred to local hospitals and medical centers. Authorities have also temporarily closed the port, halting all maritime operations until further notice.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has ordered an immediate and thorough investigation. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he emphasized the importance of quickly identifying the cause of the explosion to prevent similar tragedies in the future. He also dispatched the interior minister to oversee the situation on the ground and gather firsthand reports.

State broadcaster IRIB noted that the explosion occurred within an area of the port that stores chemicals and sulfur. The incident has shocked the nation, prompting many Iranians to queue at health centers to donate blood for those injured.

Shahid Rajaee port is one of Iran’s largest maritime facilities, covering about 2,400 hectares (approximately 5,900 acres). It handles close to 70 million tons of cargo each year, including oil and general merchandise. The facility boasts around 500,000 square meters (5.4 million square feet) of warehouse space and 35 shipping berths, making it a critical hub for the country’s trade and economy.