A powerful explosion struck the port of Bandar Abbas in Iran on Saturday, resulting in at least 14 fatalities and injuring around 750 people. The incident prompted local authorities to declare a state of emergency in this crucial shipping hub for the country.
The explosion occurred in the southwestern port city, sending a large cloud of thick gray smoke into the sky. Videos from the scene suggest that the blast originated from a warehouse facility within the port. Iranian government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani indicated that the explosion likely involved chemical containers stored in a specific area of the port. However, she emphasized that the exact cause would remain unclear until the fire was fully extinguished.
Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni reported that six individuals are still unaccounted for, as firefighters continue to battle the blaze amid challenging high winds. The explosion caused extensive damage, shattering windows over a wide area and severely damaging buildings within the port complex. Some individuals may be trapped under collapsed structures.
The state-controlled oil company has denied any involvement in the incident. State media reported that the explosion occurred in the chemical and sulfur section of the port. In the aftermath, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian ordered an investigation and sent the interior minister to the region to assess the situation and prevent future incidents.
Health authorities have urged residents to stay indoors and avoid outdoor activities due to concerns about air pollution. Many people in the area have also lined up at health centers to donate blood for those injured in the explosion.
The port of Bandar Abbas is vital for Iran’s economy, covering 2,400 hectares with 35 shipping berths. It handles about 70 million tons of cargo annually, including oil and general goods. Following the explosion, the port has been closed, and all maritime operations have been suspended until further notice. Local officials confirmed that the injured are being treated in medical centers in the city.