At least seven people have been killed and more than a dozen injured in two separate explosions in southern Iran, officials and local media reported on Saturday. While government authorities attributed the blasts to gas leaks, some residents have expressed scepticism over this explanation. Meanwhile, Israel has denied any involvement in the incidents.
According to Iran International, one of the explosions occurred in the port city of Bandar Abbas, targeting a residential building. Local disaster management officials told state media that at least two people were killed and 14 injured in the blast.
The head of the local fire service stated that preliminary investigations suggest a gas leak may have caused the explosion, a claim echoed by state-run outlets. However, a video obtained by Iran International shows a resident claiming that the building’s gas supply had not yet been activated at the time of the explosion. Visual evidence from the scene depicts extensive destruction, with one two-storey building completely destroyed and debris scattered across the surrounding area.
Speculation circulated on social media that the explosion targeted a commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy. This was swiftly denied by Tasnim News Agency, an IRGC-affiliated outlet, which confirmed that there was no connection to military personnel.
The second explosion occurred in the southwestern city of Ahvaz, reportedly caused by another suspected gas leak. State media reported five fatalities and three injuries in that incident.
Israeli officials quoted by Reuters denied any involvement in either explosion. Iranian authorities have stated that investigations into both incidents are ongoing, though no further details have been released regarding the exact causes.
The incidents highlight growing concerns over residential safety standards in southern Iran, where ageing infrastructure and gas safety issues have been blamed for previous accidents. Locals have called for stricter inspections and better emergency response mechanisms to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Summary of Explosions in Southern Iran
| Location | Casualties (Killed) | Injured | Reported Cause | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bandar Abbas | 2 | 14 | Gas leak (suspected) | Two-storey residential building destroyed; IRGC connection denied |
| Ahvaz | 5 | 3 | Gas leak (suspected) | Explosion in residential area; investigations ongoing |
| Total | 7 | 17 | — | — |
Authorities have urged residents in both cities to remain cautious and to report any signs of gas leakage. Investigations are expected to continue over the coming days as officials work to determine whether negligence, technical failure, or another factor triggered the deadly blasts.
