A massive explosion at Iran’s Shahid Rajaee port has killed at least 40 people and injured over 1,000.
The blast, caused by a chemical fire, sent shockwaves felt 50km away, shattering windows and damaging nearby buildings and cars.
The fire, burning for over 24 hours, has released toxic fumes, prompting the health ministry to advise people in nearby areas to stay indoors.
Devastating Impact
The port, a major commercial hub and home to Iran’s naval base, has been severely affected.
Schools and offices in the nearby city of Bandar Abbas were closed on Sunday to allow emergency responders to operate freely.
The Iranian government has declared Monday a national day of mourning for the victims, with an additional two days of mourning in Hormozgan province.
Cause of the Explosion
The cause of the blast is still unclear, but Ambrey Intelligence, a private maritime risk assessment firm, suggests it may have been linked to the mishandling of solid fuel for missiles.
They claim a ship carrying sodium perchlorate, a key component of rocket fuel, docked at the port in March.
The New York Times, citing a source close to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, also reported that sodium perchlorate was the substance involved in the explosion.
Public Reaction
Many Iranians are questioning the government’s handling of the situation, with some speculating that the military was storing rocket fuel at the port.
While the military has denied these claims, some citizens are accusing the government of negligence in allowing flammable materials to be stored at the port.
President Masoud Pezeshkian visited the site on Sunday, ordering an investigation into the cause of the blast.
The defense ministry has denied any military equipment or fuel was being stored or transported at the port.
The customs office at Shahid Rajaee port suggested the explosion may have been caused by a fire at a chemical storage facility.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety and security of Iran’s critical infrastructure.