Iran Attributes Port Explosion to Negligence as Casualties Climb

The tragic explosion at Shahid Rajaee port, Iran's largest container port, has been attributed to negligence and safety violations. With a rising death toll of at least 70, officials are investigating those responsible as firefighting efforts continue.

Iran's interior minister has stated that negligence significantly contributed to the devastating explosion at the Shahid Rajaee port in Bandar Abbas, which occurred on Saturday, resulting in over 70 fatalities and injuring more than 1,000 individuals. Eskandar Momeni indicated that the incident was due to "shortcomings, including noncompliance with safety precautions and negligence," prompting officials to summon those deemed accountable for questioning.

Customs authorities revealed that the cargo that ignited the explosion had not been registered or declared prior to the disaster, according to reports from the Isna news agency. Mehrdad Hassanzadeh, the crisis management director for Hormozgan province, noted that firefighting efforts were nearing completion on Monday, while Hormozgan Governor Mohammad Ashouri Taziani mentioned that it would take one to two weeks for the port's operations to stabilize.

The CEO of the Sina Marine and Port Services Development Company, responsible for overseeing the affected area, attributed the explosion to "a repeated and catastrophic error involving false declarations of hazardous goods." In contrast, Iran's defense ministry has denied allegations that the explosion was linked to the mishandling of a shipment of sodium perchlorate, a chemical used in missile fuel. Brig Gen Reza Talai-Nik, a spokesman, labeled such claims as "fake news" propagated by foreign media.

Despite the defense ministry's denial, maritime risk consultancy Ambrey Intelligence disclosed that the port had received a shipment of sodium perchlorate the previous month. Reports from sources linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guards suggested that the explosion resulted from improper handling of this hazardous substance. The shocking incident has prompted a wave of mourning and anger among the public, as citizens demand answers and accountability for the calamity that wreaked destruction and loss of life.