Activities at Shahid Rajaei Port revert to normal after huge blast
Blaze ‘contained’, clean-up under way
Authorities said on Tuesday that Shahid Rajaei Port in southern Iran, rocked by a massive explosion on Saturday, has resumed its activities after firefighters managed to fully contain a fire caused by the blast.
Despite the serious damage to the Bandar Abbas desalination and power plants, vital facilities have been restored in the shortest possible time, according to the authorities at the country’s main port.
Head of Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organization Saeed Rasouli on Tuesday announced the docking of 35 ships carrying various types of cargo at the port.
The customs at the port also announced that it has resumed its activities since Sunday.
Officials said on Tuesday that firefighters have brought under control a blaze at the Iran’s main port, following a deadly explosion blamed on negligence.
At least 70 people have been killed and more than 1,000 others suffered injuries in the blast and ensuing fire, which was heard dozens of kilometers away and caused extensive damage.
Red Crescent official Mokhtar Salahshour said on Monday that the fire had been “contained” and a clean-up was under way.
State television aired live footage on Tuesday showing thick smoke rising from stacked containers.
Iran’s ILNA news agency quoted Hossein Zafari, spokesman for the country’s crisis management organization, as saying the situation had improved significantly since Monday.
However, “the operation and complete extinguishing process may take around 15 to 20 days,” the agency reported.
An investigation is under way to determine the main cause behind the incident.
The port’s customs office said the blast may have started in a depot storing hazardous and chemical materials.
Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni said there were “shortcomings, including noncompliance with safety precautions and negligence.”
The port of Shahid Rajaee lies near the major coastal city of Bandar Abbas on the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway through which one-fifth of global oil output passes.