Timeline of Iran Port Explosion at Shahid Rajaee Port

A tragic explosion at Iran’s Shahid Rajaee Port left 14 dead and 750 injured, causing widespread damage and sparking urgent investigations into hazardous material storage and port safety regulations.

1. What Caused a Deadly Explosion in Shahid Rajaee Port on April 26, 2025?
On April 26, 2025, a powerful blast erupted at Shahid Rajaee Port, Bandar Abbas, Iran, reportedly starting from a storage depot for hazardous chemicals. Initial findings point toward sodium perchlorate, a volatile substance used in missile fuel, as the cause. The explosion triggered an intense fire, engulfing nearby shipping containers and creating a massive emergency. Authorities have prioritized investigation into material handling protocols at the port. Analysts stress urgent review of hazardous storage globally after this deadly incident.

2. How Far Did the Shahid Rajaee Port Explosion Impact Surroundings?
Shockwaves from the explosion were felt up to 50 kilometers away, significantly damaging port structures and affecting nearby areas. Local buildings suffered shattered windows and structural cracks. The sheer intensity highlighted severe safety lapses in hazardous material management. Bandar Abbas, located over 20km from the blast site, immediately shut down its schools and offices as a precaution. Emergency services were overwhelmed as smoke and debris spread across multiple districts, disrupting normal life extensively.

3. Why Were Helicopters Deployed Immediately After the Explosion?
In response to the escalating fire, helicopters were quickly deployed to douse flames across shipping yards. Aerial footage showed helicopters spraying water over burning containers blanketed in thick, black smoke. Despite these efforts, the fire remained difficult to contain for several hours due to strong coastal winds. Analysts noted that the lack of an automated fire suppression system worsened the situation, making aerial interventions critical in preventing further spread to oil and fuel storage areas.

4. What Did Preliminary Investigations Reveal About the Explosion’s Cause?
Iranian state television and sources close to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps confirmed that sodium perchlorate stored in bulk quantities ignited the catastrophe. This chemical is highly sensitive under heat and friction, leading to explosive combustion. Customs officials admitted that hazardous material safety protocols might not have been strictly followed. Analysts emphasized that mishandling of industrial chemicals at ports remains a global threat, urging stricter international regulations to prevent similar disasters in the future.

5. How Did Iran’s Health Services Respond to the Surge of Injured Victims?
Over 750 injured victims were swiftly rushed to nearby hospitals, stretching local medical resources. The Hormozgan Province Blood Transfusion Organization issued an urgent appeal for blood donations to meet the critical demand. Makeshift triage centers were also set up outside hospitals to manage the overflow. Analysts pointed out that disaster preparedness planning needs immediate enhancement, especially in industrial zones where chemical incidents can lead to mass casualties within minutes.

6. Why Were Iran’s Oil Facilities Declared Safe After the Port Blast?
Despite the catastrophic explosion, oil facilities, refineries, and pipelines near Bandar Abbas remained unaffected. The National Iranian Oil Products Distribution Company reassured the public that there was no damage to their installations. Analysts noted that the port’s chemical storage depots were located strategically away from fuel storage, preventing a potentially larger disaster. This event underlines the importance of site planning and risk zoning in industrial regions handling multiple types of dangerous goods.

7. What Are the Long-Term Economic Implications of the Shahid Rajaee Port Blast?
Shahid Rajaee Port handles around 85% of southern Iran’s commercial shipping operations. Analysts predict significant logistical disruptions, with expected delays in cargo processing and shipping timelines. Early estimates suggest millions of dollars in structural damages and insurance claims. Additionally, Iran’s export and import timelines are likely to face setbacks, aggravating existing economic challenges due to sanctions and global market instability. Calls for upgrading infrastructure and tightening chemical handling protocols are growing louder.

8. What Makes This Story a Must-Read?
The Shahid Rajaee Port explosion reveals crucial insights into industrial safety lapses, emergency response gaps, and economic vulnerabilities. Understanding this tragedy is essential for improving global port safety and disaster readiness.

A massive explosion, possibly caused by ammonium nitrate the same highly-explosive chemical which caused the Beirut explosion in 2020, has rocked the port of Bandar Abbas this morning in Southern Iran. Iranian media is reporting over 400 injures, while the death toll is still… pic.twitter.com/TrVkR70Zzy

— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) April 26, 2025