Massive explosion in the port of Shahid Rajaee: 40 dead and over 1200 injuries!

Massive explosion in the port of Shahid Rajaee: 40 dead and over 1200 injuries!

On Saturday, April 26, 2025, there was a serious explosion in the port of Shahid Rajaee, which is located in the Hormusgan province of near Bandar Abbas, Iran. The explosion had its origin in several container camps and caused a devastating cloud of smoke that rose up to the sky. The first reports from the state media speak of at least 40 fatalities and over 1,200 injuries, with six people being reported missing. The pressure wave of the explosion was so strong that window panes broke within a radius of several kilometers and some buildings, including office buildings, suffered serious structural damage. After the explosion, port activity was immediately stopped to react to the emergency and to initiate the rescue measures. The local hospitals are overloaded, so that many injuries had to be moved to other cities, including Shiraz. In order to support the injured, residents were called to donate blood.

The exact cause of the explosion has not yet been determined. According to initial assessments, improper use of chemical materials, including possibly sodium perchlorate, could have contributed to the devastating incident. The Iranian government, represented by President Masoud Pezeshkian, has ordered an investigation to clarify the exact circumstances. So far there is no evidence that indicate targeted intervention, such as through foreign forces. A spokesman for the Ministry of Defense denied reports on the transport of rocket fuel at the location.

acute reactions and measures

In the immediate consequence of the explosion, the port operation was temporarily stopped, and the responsible authorities, including the Iranian red crescent, were introduced. Firefighters were also used from the air with helicopters to combat the fire. Several schools and offices in the area remained closed on Monday, while the health authorities urgently advise residents to remain apartments. Meanwhile, it was announced that three Chinese citizens are among the injuries, which reinforces the international dimension of the incident.

The Shahid Rajaee Hafen plays a crucial role for Iranian foreign trade, as over a third of the Iranian Seehandel is handled there. Connected to over 80 international ports and 21 line shipping companies, the port is not only the largest container port in Iran, but also the 44th largest port worldwide. The explosion could therefore have profound effects on Iran and the region, since all imports and exports were temporarily exposed to this strategically important port. It is also worrying that these developments coincide with the current US Iran talks about the Iranian rocket program, which creates additional tensions.

Apart from the immediate local effects, the explosion is another indicator of the potential dangers that can be used by improper storage of dangerous chemicals. Previous warnings regarding possible risks in the region were obviously not taken seriously. The incident has moved German-Iranian relationships in the twilight and emphasized the need for better security management in critical infrastructures such as the Shahid Rajaee port.

The tragedy triggered the grief of the nation, and governor Mohammad Ashouri declared mourning for the victims for three days. The effects of the explosion are therefore not only limited to the winners and losers of trade transactions, but also affect civil society and social cohesion in the region.

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