Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On Saturday, a powerful explosion occurred at the Shahid Rajaee Port in the southern Iranian city of Bandar Abbas, injuring more than 400 people, according to state media reports, as cited by Iran’s Fars News Agency.

Shahid Rajaee is one of Iran’s largest commercial ports, located at the entrance to the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz. It lies 23 kilometers west of Bandar Abbas, the administrative center of Hormozgan Province.

According to a representative of the local crisis management service, who spoke to state television, the explosion was triggered by the detonation of several containers located in the dock area. Evacuation efforts are currently underway, and the injured are being transported to nearby medical facilities.

Tasnim News Agency reports that the wounded have been admitted to hospitals across Hormozgan Province, where the port is situated.

Port operations have been temporarily suspended to carry out firefighting and rescue efforts. The agency notes that due to the large number of staff present at the port at the time of the incident, the number of casualties may continue to rise.

Iranian media also report that the explosion caused damage to buildings within a radius of several kilometers, shattering windows. Videos circulating online show the formation of a characteristic mushroom-shaped cloud immediately after the blast.

The circumstances surrounding the incident are still being clarified.