Death toll from explosion at southern Iran port rises to 14, at least 750 injured
Thick, black smoke rises as rescuers arrive near the source of an explosion at the Shahid Rajaee port dock southwest of Bandar Abbas in the Iranian province of Hormozgan, Iran on April 26, 2025. (AFP Photo)
The death toll from a massive explosion at Shahid Rajaee Port in southern Iran on Saturday has risen to 14, with at least 750 others injured, according to officials.
Iran’s Interior Minister Eskander Momeni, currently in Bandar Abbas, confirmed the rising fatalities in an interview with state broadcaster. The number of those injured has now surpassed 750, with 200 having been discharged from hospitals. However, around 300 others remain under medical care.
The explosion occurred at around 12 pm local time (08:30 GMT) in the container dock area of the strategically significant port, located in Hormozgan province, about 15 kilometers southwest of Bandar Abbas.
Early reports suggest that flammable materials near the site, coupled with intense heat—reaching 40°C—triggered the explosion.
Port’s operational systems remain unaffected
The fire, which quickly escalated after the initial spark, is being contained with help from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and firefighting resources from neighboring provinces. As of the latest updates, firefighters continue to battle the blaze, with authorities optimistic that it will be under control within hours.
Momeni stressed that despite the devastation, the port’s operational systems have remained largely unaffected, with customs activities, cargo clearance, and loading operations expected to resume shortly.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed condolences to the victims’ families and announced an investigation into the incident. Momeni, as the president’s special representative, has been dispatched to oversee the investigation, ensure coordination, and assist the injured.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Customs Administration has halted the dispatch of export and transit shipments destined for Shahid Rajaee Customs until further notice.
The port is a critical hub in the region, given its proximity to the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, and remains vital for Iran’s economic and logistical operations.
Regarding the Explosion in Iran https://t.co/D5CJGTlH9o pic.twitter.com/a77yvMhAD7
— Turkish MFA (@MFATurkiye) April 26, 2025
Türkiye expresses sorrow over deadly explosion
Meanwhile, Türkiye’s Foreign Ministry expressed deep sorrow on Saturday after a deadly explosion at Shahid Rajaei Port in Bandar Abbas, Iran’s southern Hormozgan province.
In a written statement, the Foreign Ministry conveyed condolences to the families of the victims and the people of Iran, while wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.
“We are deeply saddened to learn that many people lost their lives and many others were injured in the explosion that occurred today (26 April) at the Shahid Rajaei Port of Bandar Abbas in Hormozgan province of Iran,” the statement read.
