An explosion occurred at the port of Shahid Rajah in Iran, causing casualties
On the 26th local time, an explosion occurred at the Shahid Rajah port in Bandar Abbas, southern Iran, killing 14 people and injuring over 750.
It is understood that the Shahid Rajah Port where the explosion occurred this time is one of the major shipping bases in Iran and also one of the most important ports in Iran. According to data from Iran's official IRNA, this port accounts for more than 55% of Iran's total non-oil cargo imports and exports. In addition, this port also undertakes more than 85% of the container handling tasks in Iran.
The fire has not yet been extinguished and another small-scale explosion has occurred in Bandar Abbas
According to reports from multiple Iranian media outlets compiled by CCTV reporters, the fire caused by the explosion at the Bandar Abbas port on the evening of the 26th local time is still ongoing.
At around 9 p.m. on that day, the fire at Bandar Abbas spread to other containers and exploded. "The extent of the explosion was less than the first one." As can be seen from the on-site video, the fire is still ongoing and thick smoke is billowing out.
As of 23:00 on that day, the fire caused by the explosion at the port of Bandar Abbas in Iran had still not been extinguished. Iranian rescue teams are using trucks to transport soil and stack it around the explosion site to prevent the fire from spreading further.
Iran's Ministry of Health: A state of emergency has been declared in Bandar Abbas
Several hours after the explosion, on the evening of the 26th local time, the Iranian Ministry of Health declared a state of emergency in Bandar Abbas.
After the explosion in Bandar Abbas and the severe aggravation of air pollution, the Iranian Ministry of Health sent a letter to the local health department, ordering it to form a health team and take emergency measures to safeguard public health. The letter mentioned that the explosion in Bandar Abbas might release pollutants such as ammonia, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide, emphasizing that the city must declare a state of emergency and establish a special working group.
The letter pointed out that the local health department is obligated to do the following:
Widely inform the public to stay at home, avoid outdoor activities and physical exercise, and close the Windows.
It is recommended that people use appropriate N95 or P2 masks, especially for vulnerable groups.
It is suggested that people wash their faces frequently and wear appropriate clothes.
The president of Iran expressed his condolences to the victims and demanded an investigation into the incident
Iranian President Pezenizyan posted on social media on the 26th local time, expressing deep condolences to the victims of the explosion and demanding an investigation into the incident.
Iran's Interior Minister Ayatollah Momeni was dispatched as a special representative to Abbas, the city where the port of the incident was located, to be responsible for the investigation of the incident and the aftermath, among other tasks. He demanded that the surrounding cities and other provinces be equipped with sufficient fire extinguishers, rescue vehicles, ambulances and related equipment.
An Iranian government spokesperson: The investigation of the incident still requires time
On the 26th local time, Iranian government spokesperson Muhajrani said that what can be confirmed at present is that the explosion occurred in a "container stored in the port and possibly containing chemicals". It is very difficult and will take time to make an accurate and professional statement on the cause of the accident before the fire is completely extinguished.
It is understood that the Shahid Rajah Port where the explosion occurred this time is one of the major shipping bases in Iran and also one of the most important ports in Iran. According to data from Iran's official IRNA, this port accounts for more than 55% of Iran's total non-oil cargo imports and exports. In addition, this port also undertakes more than 85% of the container handling tasks in Iran.
The fire has not yet been extinguished and another small-scale explosion has occurred in Bandar Abbas
According to reports from multiple Iranian media outlets compiled by CCTV reporters, the fire caused by the explosion at the Bandar Abbas port on the evening of the 26th local time is still ongoing.
At around 9 p.m. on that day, the fire at Bandar Abbas spread to other containers and exploded. "The extent of the explosion was less than the first one." As can be seen from the on-site video, the fire is still ongoing and thick smoke is billowing out.
As of 23:00 on that day, the fire caused by the explosion at the port of Bandar Abbas in Iran had still not been extinguished. Iranian rescue teams are using trucks to transport soil and stack it around the explosion site to prevent the fire from spreading further.
Iran's Ministry of Health: A state of emergency has been declared in Bandar Abbas
Several hours after the explosion, on the evening of the 26th local time, the Iranian Ministry of Health declared a state of emergency in Bandar Abbas.
After the explosion in Bandar Abbas and the severe aggravation of air pollution, the Iranian Ministry of Health sent a letter to the local health department, ordering it to form a health team and take emergency measures to safeguard public health. The letter mentioned that the explosion in Bandar Abbas might release pollutants such as ammonia, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide, emphasizing that the city must declare a state of emergency and establish a special working group.
The letter pointed out that the local health department is obligated to do the following:
Widely inform the public to stay at home, avoid outdoor activities and physical exercise, and close the Windows.
It is recommended that people use appropriate N95 or P2 masks, especially for vulnerable groups.
It is suggested that people wash their faces frequently and wear appropriate clothes.
The president of Iran expressed his condolences to the victims and demanded an investigation into the incident
Iranian President Pezenizyan posted on social media on the 26th local time, expressing deep condolences to the victims of the explosion and demanding an investigation into the incident.
Iran's Interior Minister Ayatollah Momeni was dispatched as a special representative to Abbas, the city where the port of the incident was located, to be responsible for the investigation of the incident and the aftermath, among other tasks. He demanded that the surrounding cities and other provinces be equipped with sufficient fire extinguishers, rescue vehicles, ambulances and related equipment.
An Iranian government spokesperson: The investigation of the incident still requires time
On the 26th local time, Iranian government spokesperson Muhajrani said that what can be confirmed at present is that the explosion occurred in a "container stored in the port and possibly containing chemicals". It is very difficult and will take time to make an accurate and professional statement on the cause of the accident before the fire is completely extinguished.
