An updated toll from Iranian authorities reports that 28 people were killed and 1,242 injured in Saturday’s massive explosion at Shahid Rajaee Port in southern Iran. The blast, which struck near the Strait of Hormuz, caused extensive damage, with shockwaves felt up to 50 kilometers away.
According to the Iranian Red Crescent Society, hundreds of injured individuals have been transferred to medical centers, with 240 hospitalized in Hormozgan Province and seven in Shiraz. Five helicopters and 80 operational teams have been deployed to assist with firefighting and evacuation efforts.
Authorities said the explosion likely originated from a fire in a storage area containing hazardous and chemical materials. Live footage on Sunday showed thick black smoke still rising from the site, as emergency crews battled to contain the fires.
Iranian President ordered an immediate investigation into the cause of the explosion. Local officials closed schools and offices in Bandar Abbas due to heavy smoke and ongoing emergency operations. The figures come as new reports continue to emerge from the scene, suggesting the full scale of the damage and casualty numbers may evolve further.
