The death toll from the explosion at Iran's largest port has risen to 14

A violent explosion occurred at Iran's largest port, raising the death toll to 14 and injuring more than 700 others.

A fire broke out near the container terminal of Shahid Rajaee Port in Bandar Abbas, Hormuzgan Province in southern Iran at noon local time on Saturday (April 26), and the fire caused a violent explosion.

Reuters, citing Iranian state media, reported that by later that day, the death toll had risen from five earlier to 14.

Hossein Zafari, a spokesperson for Iran's General Directorate of Crisis Management, said that the chemicals in the container triggered the explosion. The director of the directorate had issued a warning during an inspection of the port of Shahid Rajah, pointing out the potential hazards.

However, Zafari added that although it was very likely that the explosion was caused by chemicals, the exact cause could not be determined yet.

President Pezenizyan has ordered an investigation into the explosion and sent the interior minister to the scene. The latter stated that efforts are continuing to be made to put out the fire and prevent it from spreading to other areas.

According to Xinhua News Agency, citing the Islamic Republic News Agency of Iran, Iran's National Security Council held a special meeting on Saturday to investigate the port explosion incident and said it would send a parliamentary delegation to the port of Shahid Rajah if necessary.

The authorities of Hormuzgan Province have instructed all schools, universities and offices in Abbas to close on Sunday (the 27th) so that the authorities can focus on controlling the fire.