Iran Minister Blames Negligence for Deadly Port Blast
Iran’s Interior Minister has held negligence and failure to follow safety protocols responsible for the massive explosion at the Shahid Rajaee Port in Bandar Abbas. The incident, which took place on Saturday, resulted in the death of at least 70 people and left over 1,000 injured. Emergency teams, including firefighters and medical personnel, continue to be on the ground as efforts to douse the fire and rescue the injured remain underway.
Blast Linked to Hazardous Material Depot
The explosion is believed to have originated at a depot storing hazardous chemicals and flammable cargo within the port complex. Located near the Strait of Hormuz—a key artery for global oil shipments—the blast’s shockwave damaged several shipping containers, vehicles, and adjoining port infrastructure. Eyewitness reports and security footage revealed an initial fire that quickly erupted into a massive fireball, sending thick toxic smoke into the surrounding areas.
National Response and Safety Concerns
President Masoud Pezeshkian visited the injured in hospitals and directed authorities to launch a comprehensive investigation into the tragedy. In response to the worsening air quality and ongoing fire, local authorities shut down schools, government offices, and urged residents to stay indoors with protective masks. Environmental concerns have escalated due to the presence of chemical materials in the smoke.
Officials have pledged to identify those responsible for the negligence and introduce stricter oversight on hazardous storage protocols. The incident has raised questions about safety compliance in one of Iran’s busiest ports and prompted calls for nationwide audits of similar facilities handling sensitive cargo.
