Massive Explosion at Iranian Port Leaves 8 Dead, 750 Injured

Report By Safarti Tarjuman International Desk

At least eight people have been killed and over 750 others injured following a devastating explosion at Shahid Rajaee Port in Bandar Abbas, located in Iran’s southern Hormozgan province, according to the official Iranian news agency IRNA.

Authorities also reported that six individuals remain missing in the aftermath of the blast, which occurred on Saturday.

The Chinese Consulate General in Bandar Abbas confirmed that three Chinese nationals sustained minor injuries. All three have since received medical treatment and are in stable condition.

Chemical Materials Linked to the Blast

Hossein Zafari, spokesperson for the National Disaster Management Organization, revealed that the explosion was triggered by chemical substances stored in a container at the port. However, Iranian government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani urged the public to avoid “hasty speculations” until the official investigation is completed.

“Preliminary findings confirm the presence of containers, likely holding chemical materials, at one corner of the port,” Mohajerani stated.

Immediate Response and Port Closure

Rapid response and rescue teams were quickly dispatched to the scene. All operations at Shahid Rajaee Port have been temporarily suspended, and officials warned that the number of casualties could rise further.

Presidential and International Reactions

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian extended condolences to the victims and their families, ordering a full investigation into the cause of the explosion. He also dispatched Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni to oversee coordination efforts and manage the treatment of the injured.

Neighboring Iraq expressed solidarity with Iran. The Iraqi Foreign Ministry conveyed deep condolences and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani instructed the Interior Minister to coordinate with Iranian authorities and offer immediate assistance.