Deadly Explosion at Iran's Bandar Abbas Port Kills 28, Injures 800
- Victor Nwoko
- Apr 27
- 2 min read
At least 28 people have been killed and more than 800 injured following a massive explosion at the port of Bandar Abbas in southern Iran. Thick gray smoke rose over the Shahid Rajaee section of the port complex, with authorities indicating the blast was likely linked to chemicals stored on-site.
Iran’s Minister of Interior Eskandar Momeni reported that six individuals remain missing as firefighters continue battling the fire, facing challenges due to high winds. While the exact cause of the explosion is still under investigation, government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani stated that preliminary findings suggest chemical containers stored in a corner of the port were the likely source. She cautioned, however, that a definitive cause cannot be confirmed until the fire is fully extinguished.
The National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company clarified that the explosion was unrelated to nearby refineries, fuel tanks, or oil pipelines. Initial reports from Iranian officials had indicated that a fuel tanker explosion might have triggered the blast, though this has not been officially confirmed.
Following the explosion, Iranian authorities declared a state of emergency in Bandar Abbas to protect citizens from increased air pollution levels. The Ministry of Health deployed emergency health teams and urged residents to stay indoors, avoid outdoor activities, and keep windows closed.
Surveillance footage captured the moment of the explosion, appearing to show it originating in a warehouse. Other video clips showed helicopters dropping water to combat the fire, while debris was scattered widely and buildings at the port complex suffered extensive damage. Windows shattered within several kilometers of the blast site, and reports indicated that some individuals were trapped in the wreckage of a collapsed building.
Governor Mohammad Ashouri Taziani confirmed that the injured were being transferred to medical centers in Bandar Abbas, and the port has been closed with all maritime operations suspended. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian ordered a thorough investigation into the explosion's causes, dispatching the interior minister to the region to oversee the inquiry. Pezeshkian emphasized the need for a comprehensive assessment to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The explosion reportedly occurred in the port's chemical and sulfur storage area, according to Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB. The tragedy has shocked the nation, with footage showing citizens lining up at health centers to donate blood for the wounded.
Shahid Rajaee Port, a key shipping hub covering approximately 2,400 hectares (5,900 acres), handles 70 million tons of cargo annually. The facility includes nearly 500,000 square meters (5.4 million square feet) of warehouses and 35 shipping berths, making it one of Iran’s most critical maritime infrastructures.
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