A massive explosion rocked Iran’s Shahid Rajaee Port in the southern city of Bandar Abbas on Saturday, causing widespread panic and leaving at least 80 people injured, according to Iranian media reports. The powerful blast sent shock waves that were felt in neighboring towns, with residents describing scenes of chaos and fear.
Shahid Rajaee Port is a crucial commercial hub on the Persian Gulf, where a significant portion of Iran’s cargo shipments are received and processed. The cause of the explosion remains unknown, with the crisis management chief of Hormozgan province stating that investigations are ongoing.
Initially, reports suggested that the explosion occurred at an administrative building within the port. However, sources later indicated that a fuel tank may have exploded for reasons yet to be determined. As a precautionary measure, all port operations were immediately suspended, and rapid response teams were dispatched to the scene to assess the situation and provide assistance.
The blast caused extensive damage to port facilities, raising concerns about the impact on Iran’s shipping and trade activities. Conflicting reports have emerged regarding the exact cause of the explosion, but no official statement has been issued to confirm the details.
Authorities are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure the safety of port workers and residents in the surrounding areas. The explosion at Shahid Rajaee Port has underscored the vulnerability of critical infrastructure in the region and the need for enhanced security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.