DE News Desk :
At least four people were killed and more than 500 injured following a massive explosion Saturday at Shahid Rajaee, the main section of Iran’s largest port, Bandar Abbas, Iranian state media reported.
The blast, believed to have been triggered by improperly stored chemical materials, sent a towering cloud of black and orange smoke over the port and caused extensive damage across several kilometers.
Authorities said the explosion shattered windows, damaged office buildings, and was powerful enough to be heard on Qeshm Island, about 26 kilometers away.
Hossein Zafari, spokesperson for Iran’s crisis management organization, pointed to poor chemical storage practices as a likely cause.
“The cause of the explosion was the chemicals inside the containers,” he told ILNA news agency, noting that officials had previously warned port authorities about the risks.
While an Iranian government spokesperson confirmed that chemicals were likely involved, they cautioned that the exact cause of the blast remains under investigation.
Footage broadcast by Iranian media showed widespread devastation, including office doors blown off their hinges and injured civilians being treated at the scene.
Emergency crews battled fires and worked to evacuate trucks and hazardous materials from the area.
Operations at the port have been suspended indefinitely following the incident, officials confirmed.
This latest disaster follows a string of industrial accidents in Iran in recent years, many attributed to negligence.
Previous incidents have included refinery fires, mine explosions, and maintenance-related fatalities.
Though speculation often surrounds such events, particularly given tensions with Israel over Iran’s nuclear program, there has been no immediate evidence linking Saturday’s explosion to foreign interference.
Iranian officials said oil facilities were unaffected, with the National Iranian Petroleum Refining and Distribution Company confirming that no refineries, fuel tanks, or pipelines were damaged.
The blast occurred as Iran and the United States engaged in a fresh round of nuclear talks in Oman.
Israel, which has frequently expressed concerns over Iran’s nuclear ambitions, had no immediate comment on the explosion.
Bandar Abbas, a vital hub for Iran’s shipping and trade, now faces significant disruption as investigations and recovery efforts continue.