An explosion occurred today in a building in the port city of Bandar Abbas, in , causing injuries and widespread property damage, according to Iranian state television. So far there have been no reports of fatalities, while authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the incident.
Damage to an eight-story building and mobilization of the authorities
The explosion caused severe damage to two floors of an eight-story building, as well as damage to parked cars and neighboring shops. Rescue crews and fire brigades immediately rushed to the scene, operating in conditions of increased risk. Injured people were taken to hospitals in the area, but their exact number was not specified.
Investigation into the cause of the explosion
According to Mehrdad Hassanzadeh, director general of crisis management of Hormozgan province, an official investigation has been launched to determine the causes of the explosion. So far, no further information has been provided, while Iranian media are reporting the event without making any assumptions about the possible origin of the incident.
Images of disaster on social media
Videos and photos released on social media show part of the facade of the building blown away, with rubble scattered over a wide radius. The footage confirms the extent of the destruction and the intensity of the explosion, heightening the concern of local residents.
Diplomatic tension and denials of a military target
The incident comes at a time of heightened tension in the region, as the US president has escalated threats of attack against Iran and deployed naval forces to the Gulf, including the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln.
After rumors circulated online, they denied that their naval facilities in Hormozgan province were targeted. Accordingly, the Tasnim agency described as “completely false” the information about the targeting of a commander of the Guards navy. At the same time, two Israeli officials told Reuters that Israel was not involved in the explosions that occurred today in Iran.
Separate fatal incident in Ahvaz
In another incident, in the city of Ahvaz in Khuzestan province, in the southwest of the country near the border with Iraq, four people were killed in an explosion caused by a gas leak. Rescue crews continue to clear away rubble, searching for anyone trapped under the debris.
Iranian authorities remain on alert, while investigations into the causes of the explosions are ongoing, in an environment of heightened geopolitical tension and international attention.
