Five killed, over 700 injured after a chemical explosion at Iran’s Bandar Abbas port; investigation into the cause underway.
CNN
Five people were killed and more than 700 injured in a massive explosion at the Shahid Rajaee port in Bandar Abbas, southwestern Iran, according to official media.
The blast, believed to have originated from chemicals in storage, sent thick gray smoke across the complex, videos geolocated by CNN showed.
Iran’s emergency services chief confirmed four deaths initially, while a spokesperson reported 516 injuries.
Footage from Mehr news agency showed the explosion erupting inside a warehouse, as helicopters dropped water to douse the fire. Debris scattered widely, with many port buildings heavily damaged and windows shattered kilometers away, state media said.
Governor Mohammad Ashouri Taziani said the fire was contained and injured victims were being treated locally. Maritime operations have been suspended.
President Masoud Pezeshkian ordered an investigation, writing on X that the interior minister was dispatched to “examine the dimensions of the accident.”
Fatemeh Mohajerani, a government spokeswoman, said, “It’s hard to ascertain the cause” until the fire is fully extinguished.