At least 28 people have been killed and around 800 injured after a huge explosion at the port of Bandar Abbas in southern Iran, according to state media reports. The explosion caused a large cloud of thick, gray smoke to rise from the Shahid Rajaee area of the port complex, according to CNN news. Iran’s Minister of Interior, Eskandar Momeni, confirmed that six people are still missing as firefighters continue to battle the blaze, despite strong winds making their work difficult. The cause of the explosion has not yet been determined, but authorities believe it may be linked to chemicals store

At least 28 people have been killed and around 800 injured after a huge explosion at the port of Bandar Abbas in southern Iran, according to state media reports. The explosion caused a large cloud of thick, gray smoke to rise from the Shahid Rajaee area of the port complex, according to CNN news. Iran’s Minister of Interior, Eskandar Momeni, confirmed that six people are still missing as firefighters continue to battle the blaze, despite strong winds making their work difficult. The cause of the explosion has not yet been determined, but authorities believe it may be linked to chemicals stored at the site. Fatemeh Mohajerani, a government spokeswoman, explained, "What we know so far is that containers were stored in a corner of the port that likely contained chemicals, which exploded. However, until the fire is completely out, it's hard to say for sure." Iran's National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company has stated that the explosion was not related to their refineries, fuel tanks, or oil pipelines in the area. This comes after reports that the blast may have been caused by an explosion of a fuel tanker, but no official explanation has been provided yet. The explosion has forced Iranian authorities to declare a state of emergency in Bandar Abbas. The explosion caused significant air pollution, and citizens have been advised to stay indoors and avoid outdoor activities. "The Ministry of Health has activated emergency teams to protect public health," according to Iranian media. The blast left debris scattered over a large area, and several buildings at the port were severely damaged. "Windows were shattered within several kilometers of the explosion," said state media. Some reports indicate that people may be trapped in the wreckage of collapsed buildings. Injured people are being rushed to medical centers in Bandar Abbas for treatment. Due to the extent of the damage, the port has been closed, and maritime operations have been suspended. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has ordered an investigation into the incident. He wrote on social media, "The interior minister has been sent to the region to assess the situation and identify the cause of this tragedy." Pezeshkian also stressed the need for a thorough investigation to prevent similar incidents in the future. The explosion took place in the chemical and sulfur storage area of the port, as confirmed by state broadcaster IRIB. Many Iranians, moved by the tragedy, have lined up to donate blood to help those who have been injured. The cause of this devastating explosion remains under investigation, and authorities are working tirelessly to manage the crisis.

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