Explosion Strikes Iranian Port on Strait of Hormuz: State TV

(Bloomberg) -- A powerful explosion struck a commercial port in Iran’s southern Hormozgan Province on the Strait of Hormuz Saturday, Iran’s state television reported.

The blast, which was felt in nearby cities, was triggered by an explosion of several cargo containers at the Shahid Rajaee port in the city of Bandar Abbas, a local official told state TV, adding that multiple casualties were transported to the hospital. At least 80 people were injured, the semi-official Tasnim news agency said.

Rescue crews were dispatched to the site as people were evacuated and operations at the port were suspended, according to state TV. Tasnim said the blast was caused by a fuel tank exploding, without providing further details. 

The National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Co. said in a statement that the explosion didn’t stem from any oil facilities or operations.

Iranian media footage showed thick plumes of smoke rising high into the sky.

The blast occurred not far from Muscat, south of the Gulf of Oman, where a third round of talks between Iranian and US officials over Tehran’s nuclear program is taking place.

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