Ongoing Efforts to Contain Fire at Iran’s Shahid Rajaee Port
Bandar Abbas, April 27, 2025 Emergency response teams continue to battle a massive fire at Shahid Rajaee Port, Iran’s largest container terminal, following a catastrophic explosion on April 26 that killed at least 25 people and injured over 750 others.
Weezharoz-Fatemeh Mohajerani, the Iranian government spokesperson, stated on social media that the situation is “relatively under control,” with the majority of the blaze contained.
She noted that approximately 20% of the fire remains active, and firefighting operations are ongoing.
Several injured individuals have been airlifted to medical facilities in Shiraz and Larestan for specialized treatment.
The explosion originated in the port’s Sina container yard, reportedly involving containers holding hazardous chemicals such as sodium perchlorate, a component used in missile fuel.
The blast generated a towering plume of smoke and caused structural damage to buildings several kilometers away.
The shockwave was felt as far as Qeshm Island, approximately 26 kilometers from the port.
Emergency services, including the Iranian Red Crescent Society, have been deployed to the site.
Firefighting efforts have included aerial water drops by helicopters. Port operations have been suspended to facilitate emergency response activities.
Shahid Rajaee Port handles a significant portion of Iran’s maritime trade, processing over 60 million tons of goods annually.
The incident has raised concerns about safety protocols and the storage of hazardous materials at the facility.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the explosion, with preliminary assessments suggesting negligence in handling flammable materials.
President Masoud Pezeshkian has ordered a comprehensive inquiry and dispatched Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni to oversee the response efforts.
As firefighting operations continue, officials warn of the potential for secondary explosions due to remaining volatile substances.
Residents in the vicinity have been advised to stay indoors and keep windows closed to avoid exposure to airborne pollutants released by the fire.
The incident coincides with ongoing diplomatic talks between Iran and the United States in Oman concerning Tehran’s nuclear program.
While no direct connection has been established, the explosion underscores the importance of stringent safety measures in critical infrastructure.
Weezharoz
