: Tehran — Officials confirmed Tuesday that 46 people have died as a result of last week’s explosion at Iran’s Rajaei Port, while rescue operations continue amidst fears of more casualties.
At first, it was believed that the powerful blast that rocked Bandar Abbas late Monday night may have been caused by an industrial accident; however, investigations are currently being carried out to identify its exact cause and extent of destruction to several warehouses as well as critical infrastructure within the port city.
Iran’s Interior Ministry reported dozens of injured, many critically, and cautioned that more bodies may still be recovered from debris. Emergency response teams including firefighters, medical units and security forces have been working around-the-clock to control fires and search for survivors.
“We are deeply saddened to announce the tragic loss of 46 lives due to this incident,” stated Hossein Modarres Khiabani, governor of Hormozgan Province. He added, “Our rescue teams have been working hard on site, while all necessary measures have been put in place for medical assistance for those injured in this accident.
Witnesses described scenes of chaos following the explosion, with thick black smoke filling the port area and secondary fires quickly spreading across nearby facilities. Multiple shipping containers were reported catching fire, compounding rescue efforts.
Rajaei Port is one of Iran’s main maritime hubs, handling much of its import and export business. Officials temporarily suspended all operations at the port as a preventative measure while engineers assess any structural damage at this important maritime gateway.
Preliminary reports indicate that the explosion may have started in a warehouse storing flammable chemicals; however, Iranian officials have not discounted other possibilities and a specially appointed committee is currently conducting its investigation.
Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi extended condolences to the families of those killed, calling for an investigation to identify those responsible and review safety protocols to avoid future disasters. At a cabinet meeting he said this.
Neighboring countries such as Oman and United Arab Emirates sent messages of sympathy and offered help.
Hormozgan Province officials have declared a day of national mourning in response to the tragic loss of lives. Vigils and prayers will take place throughout Iran as it faces one of its deadliest industrial accidents in recent memory.