DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — The number of casualties from a massive explosion at a southern Iranian port has risen to 516, Iranian state media reported Saturday, as authorities continued to investigate the cause of the blast.
The explosion occurred Saturday afternoon near the Shahid Rajaee port in Bandar Abbas, a key shipping hub along the Strait of Hormuz.
The governor of Hormozgan province said that the exact cause of the explosion had not yet been determined. Several possible scenarios are under investigation, and authorities will announce their findings once confirmed, he added.
Rescue helicopters from Iran’s armed forces, the Red Crescent, and other emergency groups were placed on full alert to assist in transporting the injured to medical centers if necessary, according to local officials.
“All forces are working to stabilize the situation as soon as possible, but for now, any statements regarding the cause of the explosion are premature,” the governor said.
Footage circulating on Iranian media showed thick plumes of black smoke rising from the area as emergency crews scrambled to contain the damage. The blast reportedly occurred around 1:30 p.m. local time.
The Shahid Rajaee port, located in Bandar Abbas, is one of Iran’s most important commercial gateways and handles a significant portion of the country’s imports and exports.
Authorities have not yet released additional details on the extent of the damage to port operations or surrounding infrastructure.
