At least 18 people have lost their lives and over 750 are injured following a massive explosion at the Shahid Rajajee port in Iran’s Bandar Abbas, Iranian state media reported, as per CNN. A thick grey smoke was seen coming out from the busy port, prompting Iranian authorities to declare a state of emergency across the region.
According to the officials, the blast likely resulted from chemical containers stored at the site. Iran’s Minister of Interior, Eskandar Momeni, has confirmed that six individuals continue to be missing as firefighters battle the flames amid strong winds and hazardous conditions.
Chemicals container suspected to be cause of the blast
The government spokeswoman, Fatemeh Mohajerani, stated that the initial findings indicate chemicals were stored in a corner of the port. However, the exact reason is still unknown. ”Until the fire is extinguished, it’s hard to ascertain the reason,” she said, adding that a full probe will take place, as quoted by ANI.
In response to the rising air pollution following the explosion, authorities have appealed to the residents to stay indoors, and avoid outdoor activities and also to keep the windows closed. The Ministry of Health has stationed emergency medical teams for assisting the injured and for protecting public health.
As per state media reports, widespread damage across the Shahid Rajajee complex, with debris spread over a large area and also windows shattered several kilometers away. Some reports also stated that individuals were trapped under the rubble. Governor Mohammad Ashouri Taziani stated that the wounded have been sent to medical facilities in Bandar Abbas.
ضمن ابراز تاسف عمیق و همدردی با حادثه دیدگان در استان هرمزگان، دستور بررسی وضعیت و علل حادثه را صادر کردم.
وزیر کشور به عنوان نماینده ویژه جهت بررسی دقیق ابعاد سانحه، ایجاد هماهنگیهای لازم و رسیدگی به وضعیت مصدومان به منطقه اعزام شد.
— Masoud Pezeshkian (@drpezeshkian) April 26, 2025
Iranian President Masoud Perzeshkian orders investigation
Iranian President Masoud Perzeshkian has shared his deep regret on the incident and has announced an in-depth investigation into the reason for the incident. ‘’While expressing deep regret and sympathy for the victims of the incident in Hormozgan province, I issued an order to probe the situation and causes of the incident, ‘’ he stated in a post on X. Pezeshkian also confirmed that the Interior Minister had been sent to the site to oversee the efforts and to assist aid for the injured.
(With inputs from ANI)