[Read the latest developments]
Iran’s largest commercial port, Shahid Rajaee, suffered a major explosion resulting in at least 40 deaths and over 1000 injuries.
The BBC reported that the explosion led to the windows and roofs of nearby buildings being blown out and cars being destroyed, while residents had reported feeling the impact of the blast up to 50 kilometres (km) away. The status of six people remains unaccounted for.
The fire grew more intense before erupting in a massive explosion, as shown in BBC-verified videos, with people fleeing the scene and injured individuals lying among smoking debris on the streets.
“The entire warehouse was filled with smoke, dust and ashes. I don’t remember if I went under the table or was thrown there by the blast,” one person who was in the area told Iranian state TV, reported the BBC.
The fire in the port spread from one container to another, confirmed Iran’s Interior Minister, with aerial footage showing at least three areas ablaze. According to Ambrey Intelligence, the fire was due to “improper handling of a shipment of solid fuel intended for use in Iranian ballistic missiles”.
The BBC reported witnesses stating that the explosion was preceded by a fire breakout which spread to unsealed containers carrying “flammable materials”. Customs officials reported that the explosion was likely triggered by a fire in a chemical materials storage facility.
Ambrey further reported that Iran’s National Disaster Management Organisation had previously warned the Shahid Rajaee port regarding the safe storage of chemicals, reported the BBC.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed “deep regret and sympathy” for the victims while ordering a government investigation into the incident. He has sent the Interior Minister to the region to oversee the inquiry.
READ: MPA reports ongoing cleanup of oil spill
Shahid Rajaee Port is reportedly Iran’s largest terminal, which handles much of the country’s seaborne cargo. Located on the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route for oil exports, the port lies about 20 km west of Bandar Abbas, Iran’s main southern port city.
Last May, India and Iran struck a 10-year deal to develop and manage the Port of Chabahar.
