By The Sampadak Express
A powerful explosion followed by a massive fire shook Shahid Rajaei port near Bandar Abbas on Saturday, injuring at least 516 people, according to Iranian state media. The port is one of Iran’s busiest commercial hubs, handling around 80 million tons of cargo annually.
Footage circulating on social media showed thick black smoke rising over the area, while distant buildings suffered shattered glass from the shockwave. The blast also reportedly caused a building collapse within the port complex.
Authorities have yet to determine the exact cause of the explosion, but early reports suggest the incident originated from a group of cargo containers. Provincial disaster management official Mehrdad Hasanzadeh confirmed that emergency crews were on site, working to evacuate the area and reach those injured.
Despite Iran’s history of industrial accidents, especially at oil facilities hampered by international sanctions, state television clarified that no energy infrastructure was involved or damaged in this incident.
Shahid Rajaei port lies approximately 1,050 kilometers southeast of Tehran, near the Strait of Hormuz — a key waterway through which 20% of the world’s traded oil passes. The explosion occurred as high-stakes nuclear talks between Iran and the United States were taking place in Oman, adding a layer of tension to the already sensitive negotiations.
Investigations into the cause of the blast are ongoing. For the latest updates, stay tuned to The Sampadak Express.
