Jobaaj Stories
Massive Explosion at Bandar Abbas Port Kills 18, Hundreds Injured
At least 18 people have lost their lives and more than 750 others have been injured following a devastating explosion at the port of Bandar Abbas in southern Iran, according to official Iranian media quoting the country’s interior ministry.
Thick gray smoke was seen rising from the Shahid Rajaee section of the port complex, with videos verified by CNN showing the intense scene. Iranian authorities said the blast likely involved chemicals stored in containers at the port.
Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni confirmed that six people are still missing as firefighters battle to control the fire, made worse by strong winds. Officials say the cause of the explosion has not been officially determined yet. Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani mentioned that early reports suggest chemical containers stored in one area of the port might have exploded, but a full investigation will only be possible once the fire is completely extinguished.
Iran’s National Oil Refining and Distribution Company clarified that the blast did not impact refineries, fuel tanks, or oil pipelines in the area, countering earlier reports suggesting a fuel tanker explosion.
In response to the explosion, authorities declared a state of emergency in Bandar Abbas. Rising air pollution levels prompted the Health Ministry to deploy emergency teams and urge residents to stay indoors, avoid outdoor activities, and keep windows closed for safety.
Footage from Iran’s Mehr News Agency captured the moment of the explosion, appearing to show it originating from a warehouse. Helicopters were later seen dropping water over the massive fire.
State media reported extensive damage across the port, with windows shattered kilometers away and debris scattered over a wide area. Some victims are believed to be trapped under collapsed buildings.
Governor Mohammad Ashouri Taziani said that the injured have been transferred to nearby medical centers, and the port has suspended all operations. Maritime traffic has also been halted.
President Masoud Pezeshkian has ordered a full investigation into the disaster. In a post on X, he stressed the need for a thorough examination of the incident to prevent future tragedies.
Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB said the explosion took place in the chemical and sulfur storage area of the port. Shahid Rajaee Port is a major shipping hub, spanning 2,400 hectares and handling around 70 million tons of cargo annually, including oil and general freight.
Meanwhile, footage on Press TV showed long lines of people at health centers, donating blood for the injured, as the nation reels from the shocking event.
Authorities continue efforts to fully extinguish the fire, search for the missing, and assess the damage caused by one of the most severe industrial accidents Iran has seen in recent years.
