Iran’s inside minister on Monday attributed a large explosion on the nation’s largest industrial port to “negligence,” as firefighters continued efforts to comprise the blaze two days after the incident.
The explosion, which killed 70 folks, occurred on Saturday, April 26, at Shahid Rajaee Port in southern Iran, close to the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a key passageway for about one-fifth of the world’s oil provide.
“Unfortunately, the death toll has reached 70, and the firefighting effort is almost in its final stages,” mentioned Mehrdad Hassanzadeh, disaster administration director of Hormozgan province, the place the port is positioned. Officials mentioned greater than 1,000 folks had been injured, with most already launched from the hospital after remedy.
Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni acknowledged on state TV that “culprits have been identified and summoned,” blaming the blast on “shortcomings, including noncompliance with safety precautions and negligence.” A committee investigating the causes of the blast echoed related findings. Momeni, who arrived within the space hours after the explosion, mentioned the investigation continues to be ongoing.
State TV footage confirmed firefighters dousing flames on Monday as heavy charcoal-black smoke continued to rise. Damage shall be assessed as soon as the fireplace is absolutely underneath management. Images from the Iranian Red Crescent confirmed a firefighting helicopter flying above low flames.
The explosion is believed to have began at a hazardous and chemical supplies storage depot. CCTV footage circulated on social media confirmed a small fireplace emitting orange-brown smoke amongst containers, adopted by a sudden fireball.
Defense ministry spokesman Reza Talaei-Nik later instructed state TV that “there has been no imported or exported cargo for military fuel or military use in the area.”
President Masoud Pezeshkian visited hospitals treating the wounded in close by Bandar Abbas on Sunday. Schools and workplaces within the space have been closed, and residents had been suggested to remain indoors and put on protecting masks.
Iran’s ally, Russia, dispatched specialists to help, and Monday was declared a nationwide day of mourning.
Source: www.dailysabah.com