Update (3.07 pm)&nbsp;
At least 25 people were killed and 800 others injured in a huge explosion at a port on Saturday in Iran's southern province of Hormozgan, media reported Sunday.
The exact cause of the incident has not been determined yet, Xinhua reported, quoting official news agency IRNA.
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A devastating explosion occurred on April 26, 2025, at the Shahid Rajaee Port in Bandar Abbas, southern Iran, resulting in at least 14 fatalities and over 750 injuries. The blast, which occurred around 12.10 pm local time, originated from several containers in the port's wharf area. These containers contained hazardous materials, including ammonium perchlorate, a chemical used in missile fuel, reportedly imported from China in March.​
The explosion&nbsp;generated black smoke clouds and shattered glass miles from the site. Firefighters and emergency response teams worked tirelessly to control the blaze, using helicopters to dump water on the raging fire hours after the initial explosion. The blast prompted officials to declare a public health emergency due to toxic airborne pollutants and led to the temporary closure of schools in the region. Residents were advised to remain indoors, shut their windows, and vulnerable individuals were encouraged to wear masks due to the release of hazardous chemicals like ammonia, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide.​
Among the injured, three Chinese nationals sustained minor injuries and are in stable condition after receiving medical treatment. The wounded have been transferred to nearby medical centers, and 90 hospital beds in Shiraz, the capital city of the neighboring Fars province, have been prepared for potential additional casualties.​
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian referred to the incident as an &ldquo;accident,&rdquo; and authorities mentioned the possibility of negligence in storing flammable materials. Terrorism or military involvement has not been suggested. The disaster occurred amid preliminary nuclear talks between Iran and the US held in Oman, which both parties described as positive.​
The Shahid Rajaee Port is a major container hub handling approximately 80 million tons of goods annually. The explosion has raised concerns about the safety of chemical storage and handling practices at critical infrastructure sites in the region. <a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb34ERXCnA7lrMp57S3N" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Follow the Benefit News channel on WhatsApp</a>

Fire and toxic smoke reported in Shahid Rajaee Port explosion; cause linked to chemical shipment

Death Toll of Iran Port Explosion Rises to 25, Injured 800

Fire and toxic smoke reported in Shahid Rajaee Port explosion; cause linked to chemical shipment

April 27, 2025 | 11:01 IST