A massive explosion ripped through the Shahid Rajaee port in Bandar Abbas, southern Iran, on Saturday, injuring over 500 people and causing extensive damage to nearby buildings and vehicles, according to Iranian government officials.
Mehrdad Hassanzadeh, director of Hormozgan province’s crisis management office, confirmed that at least 561 people were injured and four others killed in the blast. He stated that emergency crews were dispatched immediately, and rescue efforts were ongoing as of Saturday evening.
The cause of the explosion is under investigation. Early indications point to the mishandling of hazardous materials stored at the port, although authorities have not yet issued a definitive conclusion.
Footage shared widely on X (formerly Twitter) showed massive plumes of smoke rising from the port area, shattered windows across nearby residential buildings, and overturned vehicles. Eyewitness videos captured by local residents and port workers also revealed the blast’s far-reaching impact, with some reports mentioning that the explosion was heard as far as Qeshm Island, located across the Strait of Hormuz.
The Shahid Rajaee port, one of Iran’s busiest commercial hubs, plays a critical role in the country’s international trade, handling a significant portion of containerized goods. Officials temporarily suspended port operations to allow emergency personnel to stabilize the situation and assess damages.
In a televised statement, Hormozgan Governor Mehdi Dousti urged citizens to avoid spreading rumors on social media and promised a full investigation into the incident. “We are working with all relevant agencies to determine the exact cause of the explosion and ensure the safety of the port facilities,” he said.
As of Saturday night, no official connection between the blast and external sabotage has been suggested by Iranian authorities. However, given the port’s strategic importance near the Strait of Hormuz, regional analysts are closely monitoring the situation.
The incident comes amid sensitive diplomatic efforts between Iran and the United States taking place in Oman, though no official linkage between the explosion and ongoing negotiations has been made.
(With inputs from agencies
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