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A significant explosion in Bandar Abbas, a southern Iranian city, has reportedly resulted in at least four fatalities and 500 injuries, according to state media. The incident occurred at the Shahid Rajaee port, a major commercial hub, causing widespread damage and prompting emergency response efforts. Authorities are investigating the cause of the blast and working to aid those affected by this devastating port explosion.
Explosion at Shahid Rajaee Port
The blast occurred at the Shahid Rajaee port on Saturday morning, causing substantial damage. Windows of neighboring office buildings were shattered, and at least one building suffered a roof collapse. The Bandar Abbas explosion is under investigation to determine the cause and prevent future incidents.
Immediate Aftermath
- Footage depicted individuals fleeing the wharves during the explosion, with others wounded on the ground.
- Reports indicate that some individuals remain trapped beneath collapsed structures.
- A fire continues to burn at the site, with substantial plumes of black smoke visible.
Emergency Response
Emergency personnel are actively evacuating the area and transporting the injured to nearby medical facilities. According to BBC Persian, an official indicated ongoing efforts to rescue workers still trapped under collapsed roofs.
Witness Accounts and Initial Reports
Eyewitness Statements
Online footage shows people reacting to the initial blast and then evacuating the vicinity. Witnesses reported that the explosion originated from a small fire on the wharf that spread to containers holding “flammable materials,” most likely chemicals. “The fire spread quickly and caused an explosion,” stated one witness to local media.
Official Statements
A crisis management official, as reported by BBC Persian, stated, “The source of this incident was the explosion of several containers stored in the Shahid Rajaee Port wharf area.” Residents in the surrounding areas also reported hearing the explosion from several kilometers away.
Location of the Incident
Shahid Rajaee is the largest commercial port in Iran, situated in the Hormozgan province on the country’s southern coastline. The port explosion has disrupted operations, and authorities are working to assess the full extent of the damage.