At least 500 people have been injured following a massive explosion at a port in the southern Iranian city of Bandar Abbas, according to reports from state media. The blast rocked the Shahid Rajee port district early Saturday morning, shattering windows across nearby office buildings and causing the roof of at least one structure to collapse.
Although no fatalities have yet been confirmed by authorities, graphic footage from the scene showed wounded people lying on the streets and urgent rescue efforts underway. Officials reported that some workers remain trapped under collapsed roofs and walls, with emergency teams racing to evacuate the injured to nearby hospitals.
A major fire continues to rage at the site, sending huge plumes of black smoke billowing over the wharf area. Video from the scene captured the moment of the explosion, with workers and bystanders fleeing in panic as the flames spread.
Witnesses described how a small fire at the wharf rapidly escalated after reaching open containers that were reportedly filled with flammable materials, most likely chemicals. Local authorities confirmed that several containers exploded, triggering the devastating blast.
The explosion was powerful enough to be heard several kilometers away, residents said, as traffic streamed out of the affected area, with many motorists driving damaged vehicles.
As rescue operations continue and the fire remains active, officials are working to stabilize the scene and assess the full scale of the destruction. The cause of the initial fire remains under investigation.