Fires Extinguished at Iran’s Largest Commercial Port After Deadly Explosion

World

Fires at Iran's largest commercial port, Bandar Abbas, have been successfully extinguished two days after a devastating explosion that killed at least 65 people and left more than 1,000 injured. The incident occurred at Shahid Rajaei Port, located near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil shipments.

According to Iranian state media, the Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, visiting the site, reported that 120 wounded individuals remain in the hospital, with the majority of the injured already receiving treatment. The explosion, which took place on Saturday, has raised numerous questions about its cause.

Iran's state TV showed images of firefighters working tirelessly to douse the flames, with charcoal-black smoke continuing to rise over parts of the port despite the efforts. Helicopters from the firefighting units were seen flying above the site as they battled the remaining low flames. Authorities indicated that the damage would be fully assessed once the fire was completely under control.

Though the precise cause of the explosion remains unclear, the port’s customs office suggested that it may have originated from a fire at a depot storing hazardous chemical materials.

The explosion and fire at Shahid Rajaei Port have raised concerns not only about the tragic loss of life but also about the potential environmental and economic impacts on a vital shipping hub that handles a significant portion of the region’s oil trade.

Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the blast, while the recovery and assessment efforts continue in the aftermath of the disaster.