A huge explosion rocked the Sina container yard in Bandar Abbas on Saturday. Officials confirmed the blast injured at least 115 people.
Iran’s customs authority said the explosion happened at a facility linked to the Ports and Maritime Organization. Emergency services quickly moved the injured to nearby hospitals.
Authorities blamed negligence for the explosion. State television reported that flammable materials had not been properly stored.
Mehrdad Hassanzadeh, the head of Hormozgan province’s crisis management, said officials had issued safety warnings before. “We had visited the site and pointed out serious risks,” he told state media.
Earlier reports said the explosion occurred near Shahid Rajaei port dock. This port handles most of Iran’s container traffic. It also stores oil and petrochemical products.
Scenes of Chaos
Videos shared on social media showed a massive plume of black smoke. Flames rose high into the sky.
Other clips showed shattered buildings, damaged vehicles, and crowds rushing to help the wounded.
People could be seen carrying the injured away from burning structures. Several were seen checking destroyed cars and nearby shops.
Firefighters battled the flames as emergency crews treated the victims.
History of Tensions
Shahid Rajaei port is one of Iran’s busiest and most strategic sites.
In May 2020, Iran accused Israel of a cyberattack on the same port. That attack caused days of transport disruption.
Officials have launched a new investigation into Saturday’s explosion. They have not confirmed if the blast impacted nearby oil tanks or chemical storage areas.
Emergency Response
Authorities quickly sealed off the area. They deployed fire crews, police units, and paramedics to control the situation.
Hormozgan Ports officials said port operations will remain suspended until safety checks are complete.
“Our first priority is saving lives and securing the area,” Hassanzadeh said.
Local officials urged residents to stay away from the port. They warned of potential secondary explosions due to remaining flammable materials.
Questions Over Safety
Iranian media questioned why earlier warnings were ignored. Analysts say poor safety standards and outdated equipment often cause industrial accidents in Iran.
Several government departments have launched separate investigations.
Officials pledged full accountability for anyone found negligent.
Health authorities said most injuries involved burns and smoke inhalation. At least 15 people remain in critical condition.
No Official Death Toll Yet
Authorities have not announced any fatalities yet. However, officials said casualty numbers may rise as rescue operations continue.
Security forces have secured the broader Bandar Abbas area. They are monitoring nearby chemical facilities for risks.
Local hospitals called for blood donations as the number of injured overwhelmed medical staff.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities promised a thorough investigation into the explosion. Early reports suggest storage violations played a major role.
Officials will likely announce preliminary findings in the coming days.
For now, Bandar Abbas remains on high alert as emergency crews work around the clock to stabilize the situation.
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