A massive explosion at Shahid Rajaee Port in Bandar Abbas has resulted in the deaths of 14 people and injuries to at least 750 others, according to Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni.

The incident, which occurred on Saturday, has caused widespread destruction, including the complete collapse of an administrative building and several vehicles in the vicinity.

During an inspection of the site, Momeni confirmed that all available resources and equipment have been mobilized from various cities to aid in rescue and containment efforts. However, strong winds continue to fuel the blaze, delaying complete extinguishment. Authorities hope to bring the fire under control in the coming hours.

Local sources have reported additional explosions as the flames spread to new containers in the port area. The head of Hormozgan Police revealed that six individuals remain missing following the blast.

In response to the tragedy, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has ordered an immediate investigation to determine the causes and circumstances surrounding the explosion. He has appointed Momeni as his representative on the ground to oversee the probe and coordinate response efforts.

Meanwhile, Iranian government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani cautioned that establishing the exact cause of the explosion will take time. Initial findings suggest that chemical materials stored in some of the port’s containers may have been a contributing factor.

As rescue operations continue, officials are working to assess the full extent of the damage and provide support to those affected by the disaster. (ILKHA)