Iran declares National Mourning after deadly explosion in Bandar Abbas

A deadly explosion in Bandar Abbas has led Iran to declare national mourning, with over 40 dead and 1,240 injured.

Iranian media reported that President Masoud Pezeshkian declared Monday, April 28, a national day of mourning following a massive explosion and widespread fire in Bandar Abbas.

The incident, the full extent of which is yet to be determined, has resulted in at least 40 fatalities and 1,240 injuries.

Jolted by the severity of the event, Iranian Red Crescent spokesperson Mojtaba Khaledi stated that more than 350 injured individuals remain hospitalized, with over 20 in critical condition. Six people are still missing, and rescue operations are ongoing.

Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei expressed his deep sorrow and ordered a thorough investigation into the incident, urging security and judicial officials to identify any negligence or intentional wrongdoing involved.

President Pezeshkian, visiting the site of the explosion in Bandar Abbas, emphasized the importance of addressing the damage. Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani confirmed that 80% of the fire had been contained, but full control efforts continue.

The cause of the explosion is still unclear, though initial reports suggest it was sparked by a fire from high temperatures and accumulated combustible materials. This incident caused severe damage to the infrastructure of Shahid Rajaee Port, and all schools, universities, and offices in Bandar Abbas have been shut down.

Several countries, including Russia, India, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Azerbaijan, extended condolences and offered assistance. Russia dispatched two emergency planes to Bandar Abbas.

The explosion, which has drawn comparisons to the Beirut explosion, has raised concerns about the safety of Iranian ports. The Iranian government has formed a special committee to investigate the incident and promised to release findings soon.

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