Death toll from explosion at Iranian port up to 70

The death toll from the explosion at the Shahid Rajaee port in southern Iran has climbed to 70, the Mehr news agency noted, citing crisis management director of Iran’s Hormozgan province, Report informs via TASS.

According to the agency, the firefighting operation is over.

On Saturday, a powerful explosion occurred on the territory of the Shahid Rajaee port, located in the city of Bandar Abbas on the coast of the Persian Gulf. On Monday, Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni cited negligence as the cause of the explosion. According to Momeni, "necessary precautions" were not taken at the port. He explained that a special commission has been established to investigate the incident, and the proceedings are ongoing. "Some persons" suspected of involvement in the incident "have already been summoned to the court," he said.

13:19

The death toll from a devastating explosion at Shahid Rajaee Port in Iran's Bandar Abbas has risen to 46, crisis management officials confirmed on Monday, Report informs via Iranwire.

According to provincial authorities, 1,072 injured people have been discharged from medical facilities after receiving treatment, while 138 remain hospitalized with serious injuries.

The cause of the explosion remains undetermined, according to government officials.

Despite earlier assurances that the resulting fire would be extinguished by Sunday night, containment efforts continue to face significant challenges.

Environmental concerns have prompted authorities to close all educational institutions and government offices in Bandar Abbas and Qeshm Island as pollution levels remain high.

Public health officials have expressed growing concern about potential long-term environmental and health consequences from the disaster.