The explosion at the Shahid Rajai port in Iran. What is known

A powerful explosion occurred on April 26 at the Shahid Rajai seaport, which is located 23 km west of the city of Bandar Abbas in Iran on the Persian Gulf coast.

Circumstances of the explosion

According to the Mehr newspaper, the explosion occurred around 12:30 (12:00 Moscow time). The blast wave was so strong that it severely damaged most of the buildings in the port, as well as cars.

A fire broke out at the scene. Several helicopters from neighboring regions were sent to the area of the explosion. Also, 15 ambulances and four buses of emergency services left for the scene from nearby towns.

The work of the entire port has been suspended so that security forces and rescuers can quickly bring the situation under control.

The cause of the explosion

Initially, the Iranian Didar News agency reported that a fuel tank explosion had occurred. In turn, the IRNA news agency clarified that the explosion, according to preliminary data, occurred at a warehouse of dangerous goods and chemicals located on the territory of the port.

The New York Times newspaper later named the cause of the explosion in the Iranian port as a substance for rocket fuel. There are indications that the explosion could have occurred due to improper storage of sodium perchlorate in the port.

Dead and injured

At least 18 people were killed in the explosion, and more than 800 others were injured.

The Minister of Internal Affairs of the Islamic Republic, Ahmad Wahidi, said that elite provincial fire brigades, special control and fire extinguishing aircraft were sent to transport the injured to the scene..

There was no information about the injured Russians.

The reaction of the authorities

The Minister of Internal Affairs of the Islamic Republic, Ahmad Wahidi, assured that measures have been taken to prevent the further spread of the fire, including the construction of an embankment and the placement of empty containers around the scene. He stressed that the emergency services are working at full strength, and expressed the hope that the fire will be extinguished in the coming hours.

Tasnim agency indicated that there are currently 12 Red Cross aid groups in the region, including 60 operational experts, of which five groups are inside the port and seven groups outside it. Psychologists are also working on site who are ready to provide psychological and social support services to the families of the missing.

The Russian Embassy in Iran expressed its condolences in connection with the explosion at the port.