On Saturday, a massive explosion at the Port of Shahid Rajaee in Bandar Abbas, Hormozgan province, left at least five people dead and more than 700 injured. Authorities say chemical materials in a container triggered the blast.
Emergency squads, including rapid reaction and rescue teams, were dispatched immediately, suspending port operations while crews searched for any remaining hazards. Mehrdad Hassanzadeh, head of provincial crisis management, reported the casualty figures and confirmed that the wounded are receiving treatment across multiple local hospitals.
China's Consulate General in Bandar Abbas noted that three Chinese citizens suffered minor injuries and are now in stable condition. Hossein Zafari, spokesman for the National Disaster Management Organization, reiterated that stored chemical materials were the likely cause of the explosion.
Iranian government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani cautioned against hasty speculations, stressing that investigators are still piecing together exactly what happened. Meanwhile, President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed his condolences on platform X, while dispatching Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni to oversee relief efforts and coordinate support for victims and medical teams.
The province remains on high alert as officials continue to assess the damage and ensure the safety of residents and port workers. Updates are expected as more information becomes available.
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At least 5 killed, over 700 wounded in blast at southern Iranian port
cgtn.com
