Daijiworld Media Network-Tehran

Tehran, Apr 29: In a tragic development that has left Iran in shock, a government-appointed committee investigating the deadly explosion at Shahid Rajaee port in Hormozgan province has cited a "failure to observe safety procedures" as the primary cause of the inferno that claimed 70 lives.

The Committee to Investigate the Causes of the Fire Incident at Shahid Rajaee Port, in its official statement released on Monday evening, concluded that the devastating blast was the result of grave negligence in following essential safety and passive defence protocols. The findings came after a series of detailed discussions with technical and safety experts, as reported by the semi-official Mehr News Agency.

"There have been notable discrepancies in safety compliance," the committee noted, adding that Iran’s security and judicial bodies have launched serious efforts to identify and take action against those responsible. The investigation, it said, is being carried out with urgency, involving laboratory and technical evaluations, with final conclusions to be shared with the public soon.

Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni did not mince words, pointing squarely at "negligence" as the root cause behind the fiery explosion in Bandar Abbas — home to Iran's busiest maritime hub.

However, media reports have brought forth a new twist, suggesting that the explosion may be tied to a shipment of missile fuel components allegedly imported from China. According to unverified sources, Tehran had arranged the import of sodium perchlorate — a volatile component commonly used in missile propellants — after depleting its reserves during heightened tensions with Israel.

The hazardous chemical reportedly arrived at the port in March, and mishandling during its storage or transfer is now being linked to the catastrophic explosion. Eyewitnesses and circulating videos from the port site show fires breaking out in areas packed with shipping containers, followed by a massive blast that rocked the coastal city.

Authorities confirmed on Monday that the death toll has risen to 70, with emergency teams finally extinguishing the raging blaze. While official sources have maintained a cautious tone, the public and international observers are closely watching for the final report — as calls grow louder for accountability and systemic reform in port safety management.