A huge explosion hit Shahid Rajaee port in Bandar Abbas, Iran, on Saturday. According to Iranian state-run media, the blast injured at least 516 people. However, officials have not yet determined the cause of the explosion.

Fears of Deaths Rise

Meanwhile, semi-official news agencies reported that authorities fear fatalities. A large number of port workers were present when the explosion occurred.

Shahid Rajaee port lies more than 1,000 kilometres (620 miles) south of Tehran. Moreover, it is Iran’s most advanced container port, according to IRNA news agency. It sits 23 kilometres west of Bandar Abbas and north of the Strait of Hormuz, where a fifth of global oil supply passes through.

Explosion Felt Kilometers Away

Soon after the blast, videos on social media showed black smoke billowing into the sky. Other videos showed shattered glass from buildings kilometers away from the explosion site.

Although industrial accidents happen often in Iran, especially at old oil facilities struggling under sanctions, Iranian state TV ruled out any energy infrastructure as the cause of this blast.

Government Orders Immediate Investigation

Therefore, First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref ordered a quick investigation. According to ISNA news agency, the probe aims to uncover the cause and assess the damage.

In addition, Mehrdad Hassanzadeh, head of Hormozgan province’s crisis management authority, spoke to state TV. He said, “The cause of this incident was the explosion of several containers stored in the Shahid Rajaee Port wharf area.” He further added, “We are currently evacuating and transporting the injured to nearby medical centres.”

Tremors Felt Across the City

Moreover, Fars news agency reported that the explosion's shockwave was powerful enough to be felt 50 kilometres away. Residents said they felt the ground shake even from a distance.

Tasnim news agency reported, “The shockwave was so strong that most of the port buildings were severely damaged.”

Oil Facilities Remain Safe

In response to concerns, the National Iranian Oil Products Distribution Company issued a statement. It said, “The explosion at Shahid Rajaee Port has no connection to refineries, fuel tanks, distribution complexes or oil pipelines.” It also assured that “Bandar Abbas oil facilities are currently operating without interruption.”

Tragedy Comes After Recent Disaster

This explosion comes just months after a deadly mining accident. In September, a coal mine blast in Tabas, caused by a gas leak, killed over 50 people. Following that tragedy, the authorities declared public mourning.