Major Explosion Rocks Shahid Rajaee Port in Southern Iran, Leaving 14 Dead and Hundreds Injured
Fire & Explosion at Shahid Rajaee Port Leave Hundreds Injured; Cause Under Investigation
Bandar Abbas, Iran, PUREWILAYAH.COM – A major explosion rocked the Shahid Rajaee Port in southern Iran on Saturday, killing at least 14 people and injuring over 500, according to local reports. The blast, which sent a massive fireball and thick black smoke into the sky, originated near the Sina Container Terminal, though officials deny it was linked to the port’s dangerous goods facility.
What We Know So Far
🔹 Cause & Initial Fire: The explosion followed a fire that broke out around 12 PM local time near containers at the port. Witnesses reported that flammable materials in the area, combined with 40°C temperatures, caused the blaze to rapidly escalate into a massive explosion.
🔹 Denial of Dangerous Goods Involvement: CEO of the port’s Dangerous Goods Terminal, denied rumors that the blast originated from his facility, stating:
“The explosion started from adjacent containers and has no connection to the port's dangerous goods terminal.”
🔹 Rescue & Evacuation: Emergency teams evacuated vehicles from the port to speed up rescue efforts. Ambulances rushed the wounded to hospitals in Bandar Abbas, while thick black smoke covered the western sky.
🔹 Israeli Denial of Involvement: Israeli media outlet Maariv, citing military officials, reported that the Israeli army "has nothing to do" with the explosion.
🔹 Iranian Ambassador Downplays Beirut Comparison: Iran’s ambassador to Lebanon stated that the incident was "much smaller in scale" than the 2020 Beirut port explosion and should not be compared.
🔹 US-Iran Indirect Talks: Amid rising tensions, indirect talks between Iran and the US reportedly continued for three hours following the blast, though details remain unclear.
Footage & Eyewitness Accounts
📹 CCTV footage captured the moment of the explosion, showing a huge fireball erupting near the containers. Witnesses reported a strong sulfur-like smell in the area, raising questions about the materials involved.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact cause of the explosion but are investigating whether it was an accident or sabotage. Given the port’s strategic location near the Strait of Hormuz, the incident could have significant economic and security implications.
Aerial footage captures the ongoing fire fighting operation at Bandar Abbas’ Shahid Rajaei port to control the fire from spreading.
Iranian firefighters continue efforts to contain the fire at Bandar Abbas' Shahid Rajaei port.