Massive Explosion at Iran’s Largest Port Claims Lives
DUBAI (Reuters) — A catastrophic explosion, likely caused by poorly stored chemical materials, tore through Bandar Abbas, Iran’s largest port, on Saturday, resulting in at least 18 fatalities and over 700 injuries, according to state media reports. The blast struck the Shahid Rajaee section of the port while Iran was engaged in a third round of nuclear negotiations with the United States in Oman, though no link between the two has been established.
Hossein Zafari, spokesperson for the Iranian crisis management organization, indicated that poor storage practices were to blame, revealing that prior warnings had been issued about potential hazards at the port. “The cause of the explosion was the chemicals inside the containers,” he stated, although an official source cautioned that the exact cause remained undetermined pending an investigation ordered by President Masoud Pezeshkian.
The port, strategically located near the Strait of Hormoz and vital for Iran’s container traffic, witnessed a massive plume of smoke rising following the explosion, with windows shattered in a wide radius and reports of damage extending to a nearby island. Footage broadcasted by state television depicted injured victims receiving medical assistance amidst chaotic scenes.
As emergency responders battled to contain the fires, customs officials confirmed that the area likely housed dangerous goods. Activities at the busy port were subsequently halted. This incident is part of a troubling trend of explosions and fires within Iran’s industrial infrastructure, often attributed to negligence.
Although Iran has accused Israel of previous sabotage linked to its nuclear program, no immediate statements had been made regarding Saturday’s tragedy. Authorities reported that oil facilities remained unaffected by the explosion, ensuring the continuity of fuel distribution.
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