At least 70 people have lost their lives and over 1,200 have been injured after a massive explosion rocked the port city of Bandar Abbas in Iran. The blast occurred on Saturday in the Shahid Rajaee section of the port, which is Iran’s largest container hub.
Firefighters have been battling the blaze for 48 hours, and officials now say the fire is under control. However, sporadic fires continue to flare up due to strong winds and flammable goods stored in the containers. Some of these containers have been releasing toxic emissions, posing additional challenges for the rescue teams and local residents.
“After bringing the huge fire under control, rescue operations are underway,” said the governor of Hormozgan Province, where Bandar Abbas is located. “Removing containers could take up to two weeks,” he added, indicating the scale of the devastation.
Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni announced that national operations to confront the fire in Shahid Rajaee have ended, and the management of firefighting efforts has been handed over to local authorities. He also mentioned that investigations are ongoing to identify any lapses in safety protocols. “Shortcomings regarding the neglect of security protocols have been identified, and some individuals at fault have been summoned,” Momeni stated.
An initial report from the investigative committee pointed out failures in adhering to principles of civil defense and security. Authorities have reported that around 22 people are still missing, and 22 bodies remain unidentified.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has ordered a thorough investigation to “uncover any negligence or intent” behind the incident, suggesting that the possibility of sabotage has not been ruled out.
As rescue operations continue, families of the victims and the missing await news of their loved ones. The tragedy has sent shockwaves throughout the nation, highlighting the need for stringent safety measures in vital infrastructure.
