Negligence blamed for deadly explosion at Iran's major port
- The explosion occurred at Shahid Rajaee port in southern Iran on April 28, 2025, resulting in over 70 fatalities and approximately 1,000 injuries.
- Iran's interior minister cited negligence and safety violations as key factors contributing to the blast, with certain individuals being questioned.
- Authorities continue to investigate the incident while local officials stress that safety protocols must be strengthened to prevent future disasters.
On April 28, 2025, a massive explosion occurred at Shahid Rajaee port, one of Iran's key ports located outside Bandar Abbas in Hormozgan province. The blast resulted in at least 70 fatalities and injured over 1,000 people, triggering an immediate investigation by Iranian authorities. Officials indicated that the explosion was linked to a shipment of cargo that had not been properly registered, violating safety standards. While security forces and emergency personnel worked tirelessly to control fires generated from the blast, the Iranian Defense Ministry denied allegations regarding the involvement of missile fuel chemicals and instead attributed the incident to negligence by the port's management. The local governor emphasized that the clearance operations might take several days, with large portions of the port severely impacted. This disaster resonated deeply with the Iranian populace, bringing back memories of previous catastrophic incidents such as the Beirut port blast in 2020, which had caused massive casualties. As investigations continue, the Iranian government faces pressure to address safety measures and ensure accountability, particularly regarding hazardous materials handling in strategic sites.