A powerful explosion rocked the Shahid Rajaee Port in southern Iran early Saturday, leaving over 400 people injured and prompting an ongoing investigation into the cause, according to Iranian state media.
The blast occurred around 12:30 a.m. local time in the strategically important port in Hormozgan province, situated roughly 15 kilometers southwest of Bandar Abbas, near the Strait of Hormuz. State television reported that 406 individuals were hurt in the incident, with dozens transported to nearby hospitals. No fatalities have been confirmed yet.
While the exact cause remains unknown, the semi-official Tasnim News Agency suggested a fuel tank explosion might be to blame. Emergency response units were swiftly dispatched to the scene, and port operations were halted to allow security and medical teams to manage the situation.
Local media described the explosion as extremely powerful, raising concerns about potential structural damage at the port. Fars News Agency cited regional officials who said the explosion originated from a specific dock area, where firefighting efforts continue.
