Explosion at Iranian Port Kills 5, Injures Over 700 [Incident Update] A powerful explosion tore through Iran’s Shahid Rajaei port in Bandar Abbas on April 26, 2025, killing at least eight people and injuring more than 700. The blast was so strong that windows shattered miles away and a dark, towering plume of smoke rose above the city.
Local authorities confirmed that the explosion started in warehouses storing hazardous materials, including chemicals used for missile fuel. Emergency teams raced to contain the fire, facing tough conditions and a wave of chaos as debris scattered across the busy port.
Officials quickly declared a state of emergency and urged residents to stay indoors due to toxic smoke. As investigations begin and rescue efforts continue, the incident highlights urgent questions about safety standards and chemical management at one of Iran’s most vital trade hubs.
Timeline and Location of the Incident
The explosion that rocked Iran’s Shahid Rajaei port in Bandar Abbas was both swift and severe, sending shockwaves through the country’s main shipping center. To fully understand the scale of this tragedy, it’s key to look at the specific time, location, and how the port fits into Iran’s wider economy. The step-by-step release of information also shaped public reaction and response.
Photo by kimiya shabani
When and Where Did the Explosion Occur?
The blast tore through Shahid Rajaei port in Bandar Abbas on April 26, 2025, around mid-morning local time. The port sits at the southern tip of Iran along the Strait of Hormuz—a route critical to global shipping and oil transport. The explosion’s proximity to busy docks and densely packed warehouses magnified the damage, with shockwaves reaching surrounding neighborhoods and industrial sites.
First alerts went out to port staff just minutes after the event. Local media began circulating images of thick black smoke and chaos at the port almost immediately. Within an hour, news of casualties spread on state outlets, and officials declared a state of emergency in Bandar Abbas.
Bandar Abbas Port: Economic Backbone of Southern Iran
The Shahid Rajaei port is not just an industrial site; it’s Iran’s busiest maritime gateway. Handling over 85% of the country’s external trade, it acts as a lifeline, keeping goods, raw materials, and fuel moving in and out of the nation. Located within a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), the port offers tax incentives and streamlined customs. This boosts exports and sustains thousands of jobs across the region. For context, its role in exports, re-exports, and value-added services makes it critical for Iran’s economy (strategic significance of Shahid Rajaee Port; Bandar Abbas trade hub importance).
Key Moments as the Incident Unfolded
The hours following the explosion were tense and fast-moving. Emergency notifications continued as:
- Firefighters and medics flooded the scene within minutes.
- Helicopters dumped water over the burning warehouses, battling both flames and toxic smoke (helicopter response to port explosion).
- By noon, official channels confirmed deaths and hundreds of injuries.
- State TV urged residents to stay indoors, citing concerns about chemical exposure.
- Social media and local journalists carried updates about evacuations, blocked roads, and ongoing rescue work.
These rapid, public updates kept the country focused on the unfolding emergency and the uncertain search for survivors.
Casualties and Immediate Human Impact
The explosion at Shahid Rajaei port brought sudden grief and shock to hundreds of families. The numbers tell a story of heartbreak and urgent struggle. Survivors, medical staff, and loved ones felt the blast’s ripple effect almost instantly, as local hospitals filled to capacity.
Photo by Khaled Akacha
Death Toll and Number of Injured
Officials confirmed at least five deaths at the scene, though numbers have fluctuated in successive reports. Over 700 people were injured, according to BBC News. Most of those hurt were port workers, nearby residents, and first responders hit by flying debris or the shockwave.
The explosion’s impact extended well beyond the port’s gates. Windows shattered miles away and people in distant neighborhoods reported hearing the blast. The sheer scale of the injuries quickly became clear as ambulances lined up outside hospitals.
Key figures reported by various sources:
- At least 5 confirmed dead
- Over 700 reported injured
- Injuries included burns, cuts, broken bones, and chemical exposure
The high number of casualties reflects the crowded conditions during a busy shipping day.
Hospitalizations and Medical Condition
Local hospitals faced a rush of wounded from the moment the explosion happened. Doctors treated patients with a wide range of injuries. Some suffered severe burns and chemical inhalation. Others arrived with lacerations and blunt force trauma.
Health officials described the numbers as “unprecedented.” Many patients needed immediate surgery or intensive care after arriving by ambulance or on foot. ICU wards filled quickly. Some injured people were in critical condition, while hundreds faced long recoveries from burns and fractures (DW report on casualty updates).
A breakdown, based on early hospital reports:
- Intensive care for the most severe burns and trauma
- Oxygen and treatment for chemical exposure
- Triage for cuts and broken bones in emergency tents outside the main buildings
Authorities asked people to donate blood and supplies, highlighting the pressure on the local health system.
Families: Shock, Grief, and Waiting
For relatives of the dead and wounded, the news arrived in fragments through official statements, television, and social media. Many rushed to hospitals searching for loved ones and answers. As updates trickled in, scenes of grief and long waits punctuated the city. Emergency call centers received a flood of inquiries from anxious families seeking any detail about missing relatives.
There were reports of:
- Emotional gatherings outside hospital wards and morgues
- Requests for help in reuniting separated family members
- Support from community groups offering transport, food, and shelter for victims’ families
The explosion has scarred this community, both physically and emotionally. With so many still hospitalized and many families in limbo, the true human cost of the disaster will become clearer in the days to come. For ongoing updates and real-time casualty numbers, resources like Iran International’s live blog remain indispensable.
