Death toll rises to 65 in Iran commercial port explosion

Death toll rises to 65 in Iran commercial port explosion

A massive explosion at the Shahid Rajaee port in Bandar Abbas, Iran, has resulted in a significant loss of life and injuries, with the death toll rising to 65 as of today, April 29, 2025. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, April 26, has left thousands of people injured and displaced. The port, a major commercial hub for Iran, was the epicenter of the catastrophic event.

Initial reports indicated that at least 25 people were killed and around 1,000 injured. However, the death toll has since risen to 65, with 600 people injured and six missing [1]. The explosion, believed to have been caused by hazardous chemical materials stored in the port area, resulted in thick plumes of black smoke stretching across the port [1].

The port, which handles 80 million tons of cargo annually, including oil and general shipping, was severely affected by the blast. Footage obtained by various media outlets showed the extent of the damage, with buildings collapsing and vehicles destroyed. Helicopters were deployed to drop water over the site of the explosion, and by Sunday, the fire was reported to be under control [1].

The cause of the explosion remains unclear, with various reports suggesting different potential triggers. Iranian government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani stated that containers likely containing chemicals exploded, but the exact cause has not been determined due to the ongoing fire [1]. The Iranian Customs Administration blamed a stockpile of hazardous goods and chemical materials stored in the port area for the blast [2].

The explosion occurred just as Iran and the United States were engaged in negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear program in Oman. The incident has raised concerns about potential security threats and the handling of hazardous materials in the region [2].

The Iranian government has launched an investigation into the incident, and President Masoud Pezeshkian has expressed his condolences to those affected. The transit operations of goods in and from the port have resumed, with 80 percent of the fire extinguishing operations completed [3].

The explosion has had significant economic and logistical implications for Iran, with the port being a major destination for Iranian cargo. The incident has highlighted the need for better safety measures and regulations in handling hazardous materials in commercial ports.

References:
[1] https://people.com/massive-explosion-port-facility-kills-18-injures-thousands-needs-head-and-pics-11722779
[2] https://apnews.com/article/iran-explosion-fire-bandar-abbas-72637c6b3e152a30045275f57ace29ed
[3] https://www.agenzianova.com/en/news/iran-at-least-25-dead-and-800-injured-in-the-explosion-in-the-port-of-bandar-abbas-video/