A powerful explosion at Shahid Rajaee Port in Bandar Abbas, southern Iran, on April 26 has resulted in at least four fatalities and left over 500 people injured.

The blast reportedly occurred at the container terminal operated by Sina Company, following an initial fire that rapidly escalated. Emergency services rushed to the scene, where efforts to manage the devastating aftermath continued throughout the day.

Eyewitnesses described the explosion as catastrophic. "The explosion was terrifying. When I got closer, I saw that all the cars had been crushed, and the glass in buildings and even cars was shattered," said one local resident. Another port worker, who witnessed the events, explained the rapid escalation: "The situation deteriorated extremely quickly. Within minutes, we heard a tremendous explosion that shook the entire terminal area."

The explosion, which occurred around noon, decimated an office building, severely damaged surrounding structures, and crumpled multiple vehicles. The force of the blast was so intense that it caused widespread structural damage, and port operations were swiftly suspended. Authorities have confirmed that 561 individuals were injured, but official figures have yet to detail the full extent of casualties. As of the latest reports, four fatalities have been confirmed.

The impact of the explosion was felt across the region. A thick plume of black smoke covered the western skyline of Bandar Abbas, as multiple firefighting teams struggled to contain the blaze. The stench of sulphur lingered in the air, as described by a local truck driver who spoke to Intellinews: "The smell in the air was unlike anything I've ever encountered, almost like sulphur."

"The damage is mainly in the container area of Shahid Rajaee Port, with the explosion happening in a small part of it. Right now, all the rescue teams are here, and firefighting is going on strong, both from the ground and the air," he said.

"Almost every vehicle here has been damaged. We quickly got out of the car and took cover.”

A firefighter also said, "The fire is so intense that we can’t get close to the area. We still don’t know what material is burning."

At present, rescue and firefighting teams are working tirelessly to mitigate the situation. The Red Crescent Rescue and Relief Organisation has dispatched multiple teams to the site, and five helicopters have been sent to assist with aerial firefighting efforts. "We have 20 operational teams on-site," said Amir Hossein Kolivand, the head of the Red Crescent. "We are doing everything we can to help the victims and contain the fire."

As emergency teams worked to manage the chaos, local residents mobilised to assist those affected. "People in Hormozgan have lined up to donate blood," said a local reporter, reflecting the community's solidarity in the wake of the tragedy.

Shahid Rajaee Port in Bandar Abbas is Iran's largest container port and a key hub for international trade. Located on the southern coast along the Persian Gulf, it plays a crucial role in the country’s economy. The recent explosion and suspension of operations have caused major disruptions to both local and international trade routes.

In response to the incident, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian issued a statement expressing his deep condolences and sympathy for the victims. He instructed the relevant authorities to conduct a full investigation into the causes of the explosion and promised that the government would provide all necessary assistance to the victims and their families.

The exact cause of the explosion remains unclear, though several scenarios are under investigation. According to preliminary reports, the explosion took place in an administrative building at the port, where large quantities of flammable materials may have been present. Eyewitnesses confirmed seeing a small fire that escalated rapidly, which may have been exacerbated by the high temperatures, which reached 40°C on the day of the incident.

A spokesperson for the National Security Commission, Ebrahim Rezaei, addressed the ongoing investigations, commenting that various theories are being explored. "There is no official confirmation yet about the cause of the explosion. We are considering multiple possibilities, including flammable materials that may have ignited," he said.

Several officials have dismissed media speculation about a possible terrorist attack. "Some outlets are drawing parallels between this explosion and the Beirut port blast, but this is pure speculation," Rezaei said. "No evidence has been found to support any such theory at this stage."

While media outlets have hinted at potential causes, such as chemical explosions or terrorism, local authorities have emphasised that it is still too early to confirm anything. "The investigations are ongoing, and no final conclusions have been drawn yet," said Rezaei. Speculation surrounding a terrorist attack has been dismissed as baseless for now, and the authorities are continuing their efforts to determine the precise cause of the explosion.