At least 281 injured after explosion at port in Iran’s Bandar Abbas

A massive explosion shook the Shahid Rajaee port in southern Iran’s Bandar Abbas, on Saturday, injuring at least 281 people, according to state media reports.

The blast coincided with the start of a third round of nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States in Oman, though authorities have yet to determine the exact cause. However, an official said that the blast came from containers at Rajaei port in the city.

Social media videos showed black billowing smoke after the blast. Other videos captured damage to buildings and vehicles, while several people were seen helping the injured and inspecting the wreckage.

“A number of containers stored at the Shahid Rajaee Port wharf exploded, triggering the incident. Evacuation and transfer of the injured to medical facilities are underway,” news agency Reuters quoted a local crisis management official as saying.

He added that rescue teams have been rushed to the accident site while local authorities were attempting to evacuate the site.

Shahid Rajaei Port is a major hub for container traffic, with additional facilities for oil storage and petrochemical operations.