Iran explosion: Massive blast rocks Bandar Abbas with at least 80 casualties

A huge explosion has erupted in southern Iran, with frightened locals feeling the ground shake beneath them for miles around. Shocking images show a mushroom cloud billowing into the sky following the incident which happened in the city of Bandar Abbas earlier today.

A local crisis management official addressed the blast in a statement. They said: "A strong explosion occurred at port a few minutes ago, but the cause is not yet known."

Officials confirmed that victims have been rushed to local for treatment. So far, 115 people have been reported to have suffered injuries following the nightmare blast.

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It has been reported that fifteen ambulances, four ambulance buses and a helicopter were sent to the scene. Tasnim news agency reported the explosion took place at an administrative building inside of the port. However, Iran’s customs authority have since stated that the explosion took place in the Sina container yard, which is connected to the Ports and Maritime Organisation.

The aftermath of the incident has since been pictured, with doors of homes and car windows smashed. In other images, locals could be seen standing in shock as the thick plume of smoke gathered in the air. People were also spotted checking the damage to their vehicles.

According to local media, special relief and rescue forces in Tehran were expected to be deployed to the city. All services at the port have been put on halt as emergency services scramble to the scene.

The Shahid Rajaee port focuses on managing container traffic. The port also features oil tanks and other petrochemical facilities. Following the incident, different rumours have emerged about the cause of the explosion.

The National Oil Refining and Distribution Company (NIORDC) have since had to dispute claims that it was caused by oil refineries. The company said that "the explosion had no connection with the refineries, fuel storage tanks, or oil pipelines related to this company in the area," and confirmed that "operations at facilities in Bandar Abbas are continuing without interruption."