Latest news with #NationalEmergencyOrganization
Saudi Gazette
26-04-2025
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Massive explosion at Iran's Shahid Rajaee Port injures over 500 people
TEHRAN — A massive explosion rocked the Shahid Rajaee Port in southern Iran on Saturday, leaving more than 500 people injured, according to emergency officials. The National Emergency Organization confirmed in a statement, published by state-run media including IRNA, that at least 516 individuals have been injured and transferred to nearby hospitals for treatment. Images from the scene showed towering plumes of smoke and extensive fires engulfing parts of the port, particularly around the container dock area. Local media reported that the fire began around 12 p.m. local time (0830 GMT), with initial investigations pointing to the presence of flammable materials that ignited amid soaring temperatures of around 40°C. Eyewitness accounts described a small blaze rapidly intensifying due to heat and the accumulation of combustible substances, ultimately triggering a massive explosion. Iran's National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company clarified that the incident was not linked to refineries, fuel storage tanks, oil pipelines, or any distribution facilities operated by the company. Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni instructed provincial authorities in Hormozgan to submit a preliminary report on the incident, according to a statement from his office. Iran's First Vice President Mohammad Aref held separate phone calls with the Governor of Hormozgan Province and the head of the Iranian Red Crescent Society to issue directives, including the launch of a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the blast and immediate aid for the injured. Meanwhile, Iran's Customs Administration has temporarily halted the dispatch of export and transit shipments destined for Shahid Rajaee Customs at Bandar Abbas until further notice. Shahid Rajaee Port, located in Hormozgan Province about 15 kilometers southwest of Bandar Abbas, is a strategic trade hub on the northern shore of the Strait of Hormuz — a critical global shipping route. While no official death toll has been confirmed, local reports suggest the explosion's intensity caused significant damage, drawing comparisons to the devastating Beirut Port explosion of August 2020. Authorities continue to assess the full scale of the damage and the potential environmental impact. — Agencies
Asharq Al-Awsat
26-04-2025
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
A Massive Explosion and Fire Strikes Iranian Port and Injures Hundreds
The number of injured from an explosion Saturday at a port in southern Iran jumped to 281, the state-run IRNA news agency reported. IRNA quoted Mojtaba Khaledi, the spokesman of Iran's National Emergency Organization, as giving the figure. The blast happened at the Rajaei port just outside of Bandar Abbas, a major facility for container shipments for Iran that handles some 80 million tons (72.5 million metric tons) of goods a year. Social media videos showed black billowing smoke after the blast. Others showed glass blown out of buildings kilometers (miles) away from the epicenter of the explosion, The Associated Press said. Authorities have offered no cause for the explosion yet. Industrial accidents happen in Iran, particularly at its aging oil facilities that struggle for access to parts under international sanctions. But Iranian state TV specifically ruled out any energy infrastructure as causing or being damaged in the blast. Mehrdad Hasanzadeh, a provincial disaster management official, told Iranian state TV that first responders were trying to reach the area while others were attempting to evacuate the site. Hasanzadeh said the blast came from containers at Rajaei port in the city, without elaborating. State TV also reported there had been a building collapse caused by the explosion, though there were no immediate other details offered. Rajaei port is some 1,050 kilometers (652 miles) southeast of Iran's capital, Tehran, on the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which 20% of all oil traded passes. The blast happened as Iran and the United States met Saturday in Oman for the third round of negotiations over Tehran's rapidly advancing nuclear program.
The Independent
26-04-2025
- Business
- The Independent
At least 516 injured following massive explosion and fire at Iranian port
A massive explosion and fire have rocked a port in southern Iran, injuring at least 516 people, state television reported. The blast occurred on Saturday at the Rajaei port, located near Bandar Abbas in southern Iran. This key shipping hub handles a vast volume of cargo, estimated at 80 million tons annually. The state-run IRNA news agency initially reported 281 injuries, attributing the figure to Mojtaba Khaledi, spokesman for Iran's National Emergency Organization. Tasnim News Agency has updated the number to 516 injured. Social media footage captured the aftermath, revealing thick black smoke billowing from the port area. Other videos showed the force of the explosion, with windows shattered in buildings several kilometers away. While the cause of the explosion remains undetermined, Iranian authorities have ruled out any involvement or damage to energy infrastructure. Iran has a history of industrial accidents, often linked to aging facilities, particularly within its oil sector, which faces challenges accessing necessary parts due to international sanctions. Mehrdad Hasanzadeh, a provincial disaster management official, told Iranian state TV that first responders were trying to reach the area while others were attempting to evacuate the site. Hasanzadeh said the blast came from containers at Rajaei port in the city, without elaborating. State TV also reported there had been a building collapse caused by the explosion, though there were no immediate other details offered. Rajaei port is some 1,050 kilometers (652 miles) southeast of Iran's capital, Tehran, on the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which 20% of all oil traded passes.
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Hundreds injured following massive explosion and fire at Iranian port
An explosion at a major Iranian port has injured hundreds, according to state media, with the number of casualties rising sharply from initial reports. The blast occurred on Saturday at the Rajaei port, located near Bandar Abbas in southern Iran. This key shipping hub handles a vast volume of cargo, estimated at 80 million tons annually. The state-run IRNA news agency initially reported 281 injuries, attributing the figure to Mojtaba Khaledi, spokesman for Iran's National Emergency Organization. Tasnim News Agency has updated the number to 516 injured. Social media footage captured the aftermath, revealing thick black smoke billowing from the port area. Other videos showed the force of the explosion, with windows shattered in buildings several kilometers away. While the cause of the explosion remains undetermined, Iranian authorities have ruled out any involvement or damage to energy infrastructure. Iran has a history of industrial accidents, often linked to aging facilities, particularly within its oil sector, which faces challenges accessing necessary parts due to international sanctions. Mehrdad Hasanzadeh, a provincial disaster management official, told Iranian state TV that first responders were trying to reach the area while others were attempting to evacuate the site. Hasanzadeh said the blast came from containers at Rajaei port in the city, without elaborating. State TV also reported there had been a building collapse caused by the explosion, though there were no immediate other details offered. Rajaei port is some 1,050 kilometers (652 miles) southeast of Iran's capital, Tehran, on the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which 20% of all oil traded passes. The blast happened as Iran and the United States met Saturday in Oman for the third round of negotiations over Tehran's rapidly advancing nuclear program.
The Independent
26-04-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Hundreds injured following massive explosion and fire at Iranian port
An explosion at a major Iranian port has injured hundreds, according to state media, with the number of casualties rising sharply from initial reports. The blast occurred on Saturday at the Rajaei port, located near Bandar Abbas in southern Iran. This key shipping hub handles a vast volume of cargo, estimated at 80 million tons annually. The state-run IRNA news agency initially reported 281 injuries, attributing the figure to Mojtaba Khaledi, spokesman for Iran's National Emergency Organization. Tasnim News Agency has updated the number to 516 injured. Social media footage captured the aftermath, revealing thick black smoke billowing from the port area. Other videos showed the force of the explosion, with windows shattered in buildings several kilometers away. While the cause of the explosion remains undetermined, Iranian authorities have ruled out any involvement or damage to energy infrastructure. Iran has a history of industrial accidents, often linked to aging facilities, particularly within its oil sector, which faces challenges accessing necessary parts due to international sanctions. Mehrdad Hasanzadeh, a provincial disaster management official, told Iranian state TV that first responders were trying to reach the area while others were attempting to evacuate the site. Hasanzadeh said the blast came from containers at Rajaei port in the city, without elaborating. State TV also reported there had been a building collapse caused by the explosion, though there were no immediate other details offered. Rajaei port is some 1,050 kilometers (652 miles) southeast of Iran's capital, Tehran, on the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which 20% of all oil traded passes.
