Iran Port Explosion Kills 14, Injures 750 at Shahid Rajaï in Bandar Abbas (videos)

A massive explosion at Shahid Rajaï port in Bandar Abbas, Iran, on April 26, 2025, resulted in 14 deaths and 750 injuries. The blast, likely from a chemical depot fire, has triggered a large emergency response and investigation. The incident near the strategic Strait of Hormuz raises safety concerns amid ongoing nuclear talks.

hassan benyoub hassan benyoub
Apr 27, 2025 - 20:24
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Iran Port Explosion Kills 14, Injures 750 at Shahid Rajaï in Bandar Abbas (videos)
A thick cloud of smoke rises from the Shahid Rajai port where a powerful explosion killed 14 people and injured more than 750, on April 26, 2025 in southern Iran.

A devastating explosion at Shahid Rajaï port in Bandar Abbas, Iran, left 14 dead and 750 injured on April 26, 2025.

A catastrophic explosion rocked Iran’s largest commercial port, Shahid Rajaï, in Bandar Abbas on April 26, 2025, killing 14 people and injuring 750, according to updated figures from Iranian authorities on Sunday. The blast, which occurred near the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, has triggered a large-scale emergency response and an investigation ordered by President Massoud Pezeshkian to determine its cause.

Details of the Explosion and Casualties

The explosion struck at midday on Saturday (08:30 GMT), sending shockwaves felt dozens of kilometers away. Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni reported on Telegram early Sunday that the death toll had risen to 14, with 750 injured, up from an initial report of eight fatalities. The fire, fueled by strong winds, intensified throughout the evening, raising fears it could spread to additional containers and areas, as reported by state television.

Unverified footage from the IRNA news agency and social media showed thick black smoke billowing into the sky, with flames engulfing containers. A video from a surveillance camera, shared by Mehr News, captured the moment of the blast in a hangar, producing a massive cloud of smoke and dust. One unverified clip depicted a survivor lamenting the destruction of his truck and the death of his friend, with a body visible on the ground.

Cause and Immediate Impact

Port customs officials, cited by state television, indicated that the explosion likely originated from a fire in a storage depot containing hazardous and chemical materials. The blast’s force was so intense that it obliterated a row of semi-trucks, leaving them as charred wrecks, and caused severe damage to most port buildings, according to the Tasnim News Agency. The exact number of workers present at the time remains unclear, as Saturday marks the start of the workweek in Iran.

In response, schools in the area were closed on Sunday, and the Hormozgan province blood transfusion center issued an urgent call for donations to aid the wounded. Images showed rescuers rushing to the scene, with debris littering highways and a blood-stained car embedded in a truck, highlighting the explosion’s devastating impact.

Emergency Response and Investigation

President Pezeshkian ordered a thorough investigation into the disaster’s cause, with Interior Minister Momeni announcing that reinforcements from Tehran and other cities were en route to extinguish the blaze. Local rescue official Mehrdad Hassanzadeh confirmed the explosion involved several containers on the port’s quay, exacerbating the fire’s spread. Despite the incident, Iran’s National Oil Products Distribution Company stated that oil facilities remained unaffected and were operating normally.

The United Arab Emirates expressed solidarity with Iran, acknowledging the significant loss of life and damage, while Chinese state media CCTV reported that three Chinese nationals sustained minor injuries, according to the Bandar Abbas consulate.

Strategic Importance and Broader Context

Shahid Rajaï, located over 1,000 km south of Tehran, handles 85% of Iran’s maritime trade and is situated near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for one-fifth of global oil production. The explosion’s timing is notable, coinciding with the conclusion of a third round of nuclear talks between Iranian and U.S. delegations in Oman, described as constructive by both sides. This disaster adds to Iran’s recent string of deadly incidents, including a September 2024 coal mine explosion that killed over 50 people.

Why This Matters

The Shahid Rajaï explosion underscores the risks of handling hazardous materials at major trade hubs, particularly in a geopolitically sensitive region like the Strait of Hormuz. With Iran already navigating complex nuclear negotiations and regional tensions, the disaster could strain its economic and logistical operations, while the human toll highlights the need for improved safety measures. The international response, including calls for blood donations and expressions of solidarity, reflects the global impact of such events.

Key Takeaways

  • A massive explosion at Shahid Rajaï port in Bandar Abbas killed 14 and injured 750 on April 26, 2025.
  • The blast, likely caused by a fire in a chemical storage depot, caused widespread damage and intensified into the evening.
  • President Pezeshkian ordered an investigation, with emergency teams working to contain the fire.
  • The incident occurred near the Strait of Hormuz, amid ongoing Iran-U.S. nuclear talks in Oman.

Stay informed: Follow updates on Iran’s disaster response and regional developments.

Sources: IRNA, Mehr News, Tasnim News, CCTV.

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