A massive explosion and fire at the Shahid Rajaei port in southern Iran on Saturday (April 26) resulted in the deaths of eight people and injuries to at least 750 others. The blast, reportedly linked to a shipment of sodium perchlorate rocket fuel, occurred near the city of Bandar Abbas.
The explosion has caused significant damage, with glass shattered in buildings miles away and a building collapse reported in the area. Helicopters were deployed to douse the flames, which continued to burn into the night.
The cause of the blast remains unclear, though the Associated Press reported that improper handling of the fuel shipment might have led to the fire. Iranian officials have denied any connection between the explosion and the country’s oil industry.
The Iranian Interior Ministry has launched an investigation into the incident, while President Masoud Pezeshkian extended his condolences to those affected.
The Shahid Rajaei port, located in Hormozgan province on the Strait of Hormuz, has been a target of previous attacks. In 2020, a cyberattack attributed to Israel targeted the port.
As the investigation continues, schools in Bandar Abbas will remain closed due to concerns over air pollution from the chemicals released during the explosion.
The explosion happened as Iran and the United States held talks in Oman over Tehran’s nuclear program.
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