By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), has conveyed its condolences to the government and people of Iran following the explosion at Shahid Rajaee Port in Bandar Abbas, southern Iran.
Iranian State authorities have not announced what caused the major explosion at the port of Bandar Abbas on Saturday, killing more than 40 people.
CNN reported that eyewitness accounts indicate that chemicals in a section of shipping containers ignited, leading to a much larger explosion.
According to recent reports, the death toll has risen significantly, with one official telling Iranian State media on Monday that at least 70 people have died.
“South Africa extends its heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost loved ones and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured persons, including those from various other countries.
“We commend the efforts of the emergency response teams and volunteers who are working tirelessly to provide relief and support to those in need, and also commend governments who have provided swift support.
“We stand in solidarity with the government and people of Iran in the aftermath of this tragic accident,” the department said.
On Sunday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian visited hospitals treating the wounded in Bandar Abbas.
Since the explosion, authorities have ordered all schools and offices in the area to close and urged residents to avoid going outside “until further notice” and use protective masks when doing so.
The explosion took place as Iranian and US delegations met in Oman for high-level talks on Tehran’s nuclear programme.”
The two countries agreed on talks, as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said he was “extremely cautious” about the potential success of the negotiations aimed at resolving the decades-long nuclear stand-off.