Key Points
- At least 25 killed and around 800 injured after a huge explosion at Shahid Rajaee Port, Bandar Abbas, Iran’s largest commercial port.
- Blast believed to have started in a hazardous chemical storage depot, with multiple containers exploding.
- Fires continued to burn more than 24 hours after the blast; thick black smoke visible for miles.
- Shockwave damaged port infrastructure and nearby buildings, felt up to 50 km away.
- Incident occurred near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil shipping route.
- No evidence of sabotage or attack; investigation ongoing.
Tehran: A catastrophic explosion tore through Iran’s Shahid Rajaee Port in Bandar Abbas on Saturday, killing at least 25 people and injuring around 800 others, according to Iranian officials. The disaster struck the country’s largest commercial port, located near the strategic Strait of Hormuz-a chokepoint for global oil shipments-sending shockwaves through the region and raising concerns about hazardous material safety and port security.
How the Blast Unfolded
The explosion erupted in the hazardous and chemical materials storage depot at the port, with officials blaming poor storage practices for the disaster. According to Iran’s crisis management organization, several containers filled with volatile chemicals ignited, triggering a chain reaction of blasts. Some security sources and maritime risk analysts suggested that sodium perchlorate-a key ingredient in missile fuel-was involved, though this has not been officially confirmed.
The blast was so powerful it shattered windows and damaged buildings up to 50 kilometers away, leaving debris, burned vehicles, and blood-stained wreckage across the port area. Live footage and eyewitness accounts described scenes of chaos, with thick black smoke billowing into the sky and emergency responders battling flames well into Sunday.
Ongoing Fires and Emergency Measures
More than 24 hours after the initial explosion, fires were still burning at the site, with strong winds hampering firefighting efforts. Iran’s Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni reported that the main areas of the port had been stabilized and that container loading and customs clearance had resumed, but the fire was not yet fully extinguished.
The Iranian health ministry declared a state of emergency in Hormozgan province, urging residents to stay indoors and wear masks due to hazardous air quality. Schools and offices in the vicinity were ordered closed as a precaution.
Investigation and Security Concerns
While the timing of the explosion coincided with sensitive nuclear talks between Iran and the US in Oman, officials have found no evidence of sabotage or a deliberate attack. The National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company clarified that the blast was unrelated to oil refineries or pipelines in the area.
Authorities are focusing on the port’s history of safety warnings regarding chemical storage, with crisis management officials noting previous alerts about potential risks. The investigation into the exact cause of the disaster is ongoing, and six people remain unaccounted for as of Sunday afternoon.
Impact and Aftermath
Shahid Rajaee Port is a vital hub for Iran’s imports and exports. The damage to its infrastructure is expected to disrupt trade and further strain the country’s economy, already under pressure from international sanctions and regional tensions. The psychological impact on port workers and the local community is profound, with eyewitnesses describing scenes of panic and devastation.
