Massive port explosion in Iran kills 40

A huge blast in Iran at its largest commercial port killed at least 40 people and injured more than 1,000, Report informs via BBC.

The explosion happened on Saturday morning at Shahid Rajaee port. Many people rushed to hospitals up and down the country to give blood.

A day later, fires are still blazing as a thick black cloud of toxic chemicals hangs over the surrounding area.

People in nearby towns and cities have been told by the health ministry to stay indoors "until further notice" and wear more protective clothes.

In the nearby southern city of Bandar Abbas, home to the Iranian Navy's main base, all schools and offices were ordered to shut on Sunday to allow authorities to focus on the emergency effort, state TV said.

A local festival not far from Shahid Rajee Port that was supposed to be a celebration spontaneously turned into a solemn occasion for remembering the dead and praying for the injured.

Authorities declared a day of national mourning on April 28, with an additional two days of mourning in Hormozgan province.