Bandar Abbas: Preliminary investigations have identified that the explosion at Shahid Rajaee Port in Bandar Abbas was caused by stored containers carrying hazardous and chemical materials, according to Mehrdad Hassan Zadeh, the General Director of Crisis Management in Hormozgan Province, Iran.

According to Qatar News Agency, Mehrdad Hassan Zadeh announced that evacuation operations and the transfer of the injured are currently underway at the explosion site. The Iranian news agency (IRNA) quoted Zadeh, who confirmed the involvement of hazardous materials stored at the port.

IRNA further reported that Iranian Customs suggested the explosion likely originated from hazardous and chemical materials stored in the port area. The incident took place in the “Sinai” container yard, a facility belonging to the Port and Maritime Organization, situated approximately two kilometers from the Customs Office building.

Iran’s First Vice President, Mohammad Reza Aref, has mandated a comprehensive and immediate investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the explosion and evaluate the extent of the damage caused by the incident.

Earlier reports from IRNA, citing the National Iranian Oil Products Refining and Distribution Company, confirmed that the explosion did not affect nearby oil refineries, fuel tanks, or pipelines connected to the company. Operations at facilities in Bandar Abbas continue without disruption.

Shahid Rajaee Port holds the distinction of being Iran’s largest and most advanced container port. It features 12 container berths and 30 cranes, playing a vital role in Iran’s maritime economy.