A huge explosion, which probably caused ignition of chemicals, killed at least 18 people and injured more than 700 yesterday, on Saturday, in the largest port of Iran, in the Badar Abbas, Iranian state media broadcast.

Josein Zafari, a spokesman for the Iranian crisis management organization, appeared to attribute the explosion to poor chemical storage in containers in the port of Shahid Rajai in the port.

“The cause of the explosion was the chemicals that existed in the containers,” Ilna told the Iranian news agency.

“The Director General of the Crisis Management Organization had issued warnings of this port during his visits there and had pointed out the possibility of danger,” Zafari said.

However, a spokesman for the Iranian government said that although chemicals were likely to cause the explosion, it is not yet possible to determine the exact reason.

Iranian President Massoud Pezkian ordered an investigation into the incident and sent the interior minister to the spot, who said that efforts to extinguish the fire and not spread to other areas were continuing.

Iran’s official news networks transmitted footage showing a huge black and orange smoke cloud rising over the port after the explosion. A office building is distinguished damaged, with debris scattered within a large radius.

The port is close to the strategic importance of Ormuz and is the largest container hub in Iran, according to state media.

From the impulse wave of the powerful explosion, windows were broken within many kilometers. The explosion was felt up to KESM, an island located 26 kilometers south of the port, Iranian media reported.

The semi -formal news agency Tasnim posted footage showing injured on the street and received first aid in conditions of total chaos.

State television conveyed earlier that mismanagement of flammable materials was a “factor that contributed” to the explosion. A local crisis management official told state television that the incident occurred when containers stored in the port exploded.

As rescuers were trying to erase fires, port officials said they were moving away from the area and that the exterior of the containers where the explosion occurred was likely to contain “dangerous products and chemicals”. The operation of the port was interrupted after the explosion, officials said.