An explosion at the Shahid Rajaee port in Bandar Abbas, Iran, killed four people and injured over 500 on April 26.
The blast occurred in the southern region of the country and is believed to have been caused by negligence in the storage of flammable materials.
The explosion resulted in structural damage, involving the detonation of several containers. Video footage showed a massive fire and thick smoke billowing from the port.
Authorities confirmed the presence of combustible materials that may have intensified the blast.
At least 516 individuals were injured and treated in hospitals across Hormozgan province. Many of the victims suffered from severe burns and trauma. Emergency teams responded swiftly, and rescue operations are still ongoing, with the casualty count possibly rising.
The Shahid Rajaee port is one of Iran’s busiest and most vital container terminals, playing a central role in the country’s trade infrastructure. The incident has triggered scrutiny over safety protocols, particularly concerning hazardous material storage.
Preliminary findings suggest that improperly stored chemicals may have been the source of the explosion.
Officials have blamed the blast on inadequate safety measures and failure to heed prior warnings.