Iran says intensity of port explosion fire has increased; 14 killed

The explosion rocked Shahid Rajaee port in Iran's Bandar Abbas city on Saturday afternoon, killing at least 8 people and injuring nearly 750.

Updated on: Apr 27, 2025, 03:58:20 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Iran on Saturday said that the intensity of the large fire sparked by a deadly explosion at the port of Shahid Rajaee has intensified and could spread, AFP reported, citing AFP.

Firefighters work as black smoke rises in the sky after a massive explosion rocked a port near the southern city of Bandar Abbas, Iran, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP)

"The intensity of the fire in Shahid Rajaee Port has increased and it is possible that the fire could spread to other areas and containers", the broadcaster said.

The explosion rocked Shahid Rajaee port in Iran's Bandar Abbas city on Saturday afternoon, killing at least 14 people and injuring nearly 750, according to state media.

The blast, which was felt in nearby cities, was triggered by an explosion of several cargo containers at the port in the city of Bandar Abbas.

The Associated Press has cited a possible link to a recent shipment of rocket fuel from China intended to replenish Iran’s missile stocks, which have been depleted by the country’s attacks on Israel in the course of its war with Hamas in Gaza.

Also Read | Trump says Iran must give up dream of nuclear weapon or face harsh response

According to private security firm Ambrey, the port took in a shipment of “sodium perchlorate rocket fuel” in March.

Smoke from the explosion is seen at the Shahid Rajaee port in Bandar Abbas, Iran, April 26, 2025. (Reuters)

Hossein Zafari, a spokesperson for Iran's crisis management organisation, appeared to blame the explosion on poor storage of chemicals in containers.

"The cause of the explosion was the chemicals inside the containers," he told Iran's ILNA news agency.

Saturday's explosion shattered windows within several kilometres, with social media videos showing a mushroom cloud forming after the blast.

The port lies about 1,050 kilometres southeast of Tehran, along the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow gateway to the Persian Gulf through which 20% of global oil trade passes, according to the Associated Press.

The explosion comes at a time when Iran is holding a third round of nuclear talks with the United States in Oman. However, there has been no indication of a link between the two events.

With inputs from agencies

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Iran

Get the latest World News, breaking headlines and global updates from the US, UK, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Russia and other countries. Follow major international events on Hindustan Times.