What Caused the Rise in Death Toll from Iran's Port Blast to 28?

Synopsis
A devastating explosion in Iran's Hormozgan province has resulted in 28 fatalities and left 800 injured. As investigations continue, authorities are urging caution against speculation regarding the cause. Governor Mohammad Ashouri Taziani has declared a three-day mourning period. What led to this tragic event, and what measures are being taken for the victims?
Key Takeaways
- 28 fatalities reported from the explosion.
- 800 individuals injured, with six still missing.
- Governor declared a three-day mourning period.
- Investigation into the cause is ongoing.
- No evidence of military shipments at the port.
Tehran, April 27 (NationPress) The fatalities from a significant explosion at a port in Iran's southern Hormozgan province have escalated to 28, according to media reports from Sunday.
The cause of this tragic event remains unknown, the report indicated.
As per the official IRNA news agency, the number of individuals injured due to the blast and the ensuing fire has now reached 800, with six individuals still unaccounted for.
Video footage from surveillance cameras at the site revealed a minor fire igniting near several containers at 12:05 p.m. local time, which then intensified and led to the massive explosion almost 90 seconds later, as reported by Hormozgan's Governor Mohammad Ashouri Taziani.
In light of this catastrophe, he announced a three-day period of public mourning across the province.
Hossein Zafari, the spokesperson for the National Disaster Management Organisation, informed Fars news agency that chemical substances within a container at the port might have instigated the explosion.
However, Iranian government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani urged caution, advising against any premature conclusions regarding the cause of the incident until investigations are fully concluded.
She confirmed that containers, potentially containing chemical materials, were present in a specific area of the port.
Addressing rumors from foreign media about military shipments at the port, Iran's Defence Ministry spokesperson Reza Talaei-Nik stated that investigations and existing evidence do not support claims of any imported or exported shipments related to fuel or military use in the explosion zone.
On Saturday, Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian dispatched Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni to the province to ensure necessary coordination and address the needs of the injured.
On Sunday, Pezeshkian directed the Interior Minister to carry out immediate actions to guarantee medical assistance for all injured individuals and manage the critical situation, as per a statement from his office.
By Sunday morning, IRNA reported that while the fire was 80 percent contained at the port, it had reignited and spread to other nearby containers, with efforts ongoing to extinguish it.
Despite this, the port's wharfs had resumed operations and cargo handling, as indicated by the report.