At least 14 people have died and 750 others are injured after a massive explosion at the Bandar Abbas port in southwestern Iran, according to official reports from Iranian media.
Videos shared online showed thick, gray smoke rising from the Shahid Rajaee part of the port. Officials believe the explosion was caused by chemicals stored in containers.
Iran’s Interior Minister, Eskandar Momeni, said six people are still missing. Firefighters are working hard to control the fire, but strong winds are making it difficult.
The exact cause of the explosion is still unknown. Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said it looks like chemicals stored in one corner of the port may have exploded, but a full investigation will only happen once the fire is completely put out.
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Iran’s National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company confirmed that the explosion was not related to nearby refineries, fuel tanks, or oil pipelines. Earlier reports had suggested a fuel tanker might have exploded.
After the blast, Iranian authorities declared a state of emergency in Bandar Abbas because of rising air pollution. Health officials urged people to stay indoors, close their windows, and avoid outdoor activities to protect themselves.
A video from Mehr News Agency showed the moment of the explosion, which appeared to happen inside a warehouse. Other videos showed helicopters trying to douse the flames by dropping water from above.
The explosion caused major damage. Debris scattered over a large area, and many buildings at the port were badly destroyed. Windows were shattered even kilometers away. Some reports also said people were trapped under the rubble.
Governor Mohammad Ashouri Taziani said injured people were being moved to hospitals in Bandar Abbas. The port has now been closed, and all maritime operations have been suspended.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has ordered a full investigation. He said the government must find out what caused the accident and take steps to prevent similar disasters in the future.
The state TV channel IRIB reported that the explosion happened in an area of the port where chemicals and sulfur were stored.
The explosion shocked the country. Many people went to donate blood for the injured at health centers, according to Iran’s state-run Press TV.
The Shahid Rajaee port is one of Iran’s largest shipping centers. It covers about 2,400 hectares (around 5,900 acres) and handles around 70 million tons of cargo every year, including oil and general goods. It also has about 500,000 square meters (5.4 million square feet) of warehouses and 35 shipping docks.
