By 
Bandar Abbas, Iran – April 26, 2025
A catastrophic chemical explosion at Shahid Rajaee port, Iran’s largest commercial port near Bandar Abbas, claimed the lives of four people and injured more than 500 others on Saturday, according to state media reports. The blast, which occurred around midday local time, sent shockwaves through the region, producing a massive fire and a plume of black smoke visible for kilometers.
The explosion originated in the Sina container yard within the port’s wharf area, where several containers—possibly containing hazardous materials or chemicals—detonated. Initial reports suggest that negligence in handling flammable materials may have contributed to the disaster, though authorities have launched a full investigation to determine the exact cause. The BBC’s Persian reporter noted that officials confirmed the involvement of “several unsealed containers” in the incident.
Shahid Rajaee port, a critical hub handling approximately 80 million tons of goods annually, has suspended operations temporarily to allow for emergency response efforts. The National Iranian Petroleum Refining and Distribution Company stated that its infrastructure, including refineries, fuel tanks, distribution complexes, and oil pipelines, remained unaffected by the explosion.
The injured, numbering at least 561 according to the latest updates, have been rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. Emergency services are working around the clock to contain the fire and ensure the safety of the surrounding area. The tragedy has raised concerns about safety protocols at Iran’s key infrastructure sites, with calls for stricter regulations on the handling of hazardous materials at ports.
Further updates are expected as the investigation unfolds and authorities assess the full extent of the damage.
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