The massive explosion, whose cause remains unclear, struck Shahid Rajaee, Iran’s largest commercial port.
According to local media citing officials, a large explosion at the Port of Shahid Rajaee in Bandar Abbas, southern Iran, on Saturday resulted in at least eight fatalities and over 700 injuries.
The port, Iran’s largest commercial port, is situated approximately 23km west of Bandar Abbas and directly north of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway for about a fifth of the world’s oil supply.
Online videos indicate that the blast was preceded by a smaller explosion that triggered a fire at the port. These videos depict a significant column of smoke and dust rising above the port area.
Another video shows a large wall of thick black smoke above a stockpile, suggesting the explosion ignited freight containers stored at the port.
Videos reveal significant damage to the port’s infrastructure, with several buildings partially collapsed as a result of the blast.
The cause of the explosion is currently unknown, and Iranian media reports offer conflicting accounts from local officials. Some reports suggest the initial blast occurred at an administrative building, while others point to a possible gas tanker explosion at the port. Still others suggest the epicenter was the freight container stockpile.
According to a local crisis management official, the incident originated from the explosion of several containers in the Shahid Rajaee Port wharf area. Evacuation and transfer of the injured to medical centers are currently underway.