EXCLUSIVE

Iran port blast leaves massive crater, new satellite images show

New satellite imagery obtained by Iran International shows a huge crater left by the April 26 explosion at Iran's Rajaei port, which killed at least 70 people according to official figures.

According to the photos take on April 30, the large crater has been formed in front of the administrative building of Sina Marine and Port Services Development Company, which was the epicenter of the explosion.

Epicenter of explosion in front of the administrative building of Sina Marine and Port Services Development Company
Epicenter of explosion in front of the administrative building of Sina Marine and Port Services Development Company

In the images, the complete destruction of the building—located in the northwest section of the compound—can be also clearly seen, along with the adjacent warehouses and at least three other buildings. The trees in the area also appear to be completely burned.

Destruction of buildings adjacent to Sina Marine and Port Services Development Company
Destruction of buildings adjacent to Sina Marine and Port Services Development Company

The images also show a large number of shipping containers crushed on both sides of the explosion site, highlighting the extent of the destruction.

Crushed containers belonging to Sina Company
Crushed containers belonging to Sina Company

Iran International had previously reported that the 15-hectare Sina yard, which could accommodate between 12,000 to 20,000 twenty-foot containers, was entirely destroyed. The latest satellite photos confirm the previous report.

Complete destruction of Sina Company's 15-hectare yard in comparison with a photon taken a month before the explosion
Complete destruction of Sina Company's 15-hectare yard in comparison with a photon taken a month before the explosion

The new images also reveal the total destruction of a large administrative building in the nearby Onik yard, located to the north of the Sina area. Damage to this building has not been previously reported.

Complete destruction of a large administrative building in the Onik yard
Complete destruction of a large administrative building in the Onik yard

Khazar Qeshm Company: 10 hectares

To the west of the Sina yard lies the yard of Khazar Qeshm Company, with an area of 10 hectares, which has been almost completely destroyed. The images show that the roof of the company’s warehouse, which is located approximately 500 meters from the explosion's epicenter, has been completely torn apart.