A chemical explosion at Iran’s largest port has left four people dead and over 500 injured, as reported by state media. The incident occurred on Saturday at Rajaei port, located near Bandar Abbas. Witnesses described a massive cloud of black and orange smoke rising into the sky following the blast.
The explosion was so powerful that it shattered windows up to 16 miles away. Footage shared on social media showed an office building near the port with its doors blown off. Babak Mahmoudi, head of Iran’s rescue organization, confirmed the casualties, stating that 516 people were injured. Emergency workers rushed to the scene, helping those trapped in the debris, while many of the injured were seen crowding at a nearby hospital.
Hossein Zafari, a spokesperson for Iran’s crisis management organization, indicated that the explosion was caused by chemicals inside shipping containers, but he did not provide further details. State television suggested that poor handling of flammable materials may have contributed to the disaster. In response, Iran’s interior ministry has launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the explosion.
Rajaei port, situated about 650 miles southeast of Tehran along the Strait of Hormuz, is crucial for the country, handling around 80 million tonnes of goods annually. Industrial accidents are not uncommon in Iran, where aging infrastructure and international sanctions have created significant challenges. Earlier this year, another incident in Bandar Abbas resulted in the death of a worker.
This explosion coincided with ongoing UN negotiations in Oman regarding Iran’s nuclear program, highlighting the precarious situation the country finds itself in. The port explosion has raised concerns about safety and regulation in industrial operations, particularly in a region already facing numerous challenges.