The death toll from a catastrophic explosion at Shahid Rajaee port in southern Iran has reached 70, with authorities citing improper documentation of the hazardous shipment as the cause. Investigators are looking into discrepancies in the cargo description and potential safety violations.
Explosion at Iran's Shahid Rajaee Port Linked to Improper Shipping Documentation
Explosion at Iran's Shahid Rajaee Port Linked to Improper Shipping Documentation
Investigations reveal "false statements" regarding the hazardous cargo involved in the deadly explosion that killed 70 individuals at a major Iranian port.
Iranian officials unveiled troubling findings during the investigation into the catastrophic explosion that rocked Shahid Rajaee port, Iran's largest, revealing that the shipment involved had been improperly documented. The blast occurred on Saturday, claiming the lives of at least 70 people and injuring approximately 1,200 individuals, of which many remain hospitalized.
An official government statement indicated that investigators discovered "false statements" related to the hazardous nature of the cargo, which had reportedly been misclassified and treated as standard goods. The tragedy unfolded amidst the port's significant role in managing Iran's shipping container traffic, handling roughly 85 percent of it last year.
While initial reports suggest that the explosive materials involved included sodium perchlorate, a crucial component for missile fuel, precise details about the nature of the shipment and the arriving vessel remain elusive. Iranian authorities have not clarified the shipment's trajectory nor identified those responsible for the misinformation surrounding its documentation.
The explosion generated substantial fire and thick smoke that permeated the surrounding area for hours. With forensic teams still working to identify the deceased, 22 of the 70 fatalities have yet to be recognized. Local and state media have reported that nearly 120 of the injured are undergoing medical treatment.
Despite the port's historical significance and past cyberattacks attributed to outside nations, no evidence has surfaced to suggest that this incident was a deliberate attack. Ebrahim Azizi, the chairman of the Iranian parliament's security committee, refrained from alluding to any potential foreign involvement and did not address speculations regarding financial motivations behind the false documentation.
The committee has pledged to expedite the release of investigation results, emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency in light of this devastating industrial incident.
