Massive Explosion Rocks Iran’s Bandar Abbas Port, Over 500 Injured

A massive explosion followed by a fierce fire shook the Shahid Rajaee port near Bandar Abbas in southern Iran on Saturday, leaving at least 500 people injured, according to local authorities. The blast sent shockwaves across the key strategic port city, with plumes of thick black smoke seen rising from the site.

Explosion at Iran’s Largest Container Terminal

The explosion occurred at Shahid Rajaee port, the most advanced container terminal in Iran, located roughly 1,000 kilometers south of the capital Tehran and about 23 kilometers west of Bandar Abbas, the provincial capital of Hormozgan. The port lies near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway through which nearly 20% of global oil passes, raising regional concerns about possible disruptions.

Containers Explode, Triggering Massive Blaze

Authorities confirmed that several cargo containers exploded on the dock, igniting a significant fire. “The explosion occurred in a part of the Shahid Rajaee port dock, and we are actively working to extinguish the fire,” emergency responders reported.

Head of Hormozgan’s crisis management authority, Mehrdad Hassanzadeh, confirmed the source of the blast, stating it was due to the explosion of multiple containers. The cause behind the container detonation is still under investigation.

Emergency Response and Rising Casualty Figures

Mokhtar Salahshour, Head of the Hormozgan Red Crescent Society, confirmed that four rapid response teams were immediately dispatched to the port. Rescue and firefighting efforts are ongoing as authorities work to fully control the situation.

As of the latest reports, at least 520 individuals have sustained injuries, most due to blast impact, smoke inhalation, and flying debris.

Investigation Underway Amid Regional Tensions

While officials have yet to release a definitive cause for the explosion, an investigation has been launched. Given the port's strategic importance and proximity to the Strait of Hormuz, the incident has drawn significant attention both locally and internationally.