Explosion in Iran port city caused by gas leak, says local fire chief

An explosion at a residential building in the southern Iranian city of Bandar Abbas was the result of a gas leak, according to the local fire chief.

“The initial cause of the building accident in Bandar Abbas was a gas leak and buildup, leading to an explosion. This is the initial theory,” Mohammad Amin Lyaghat says, in comments broadcast on state television.

“Unfortunately, a four-year-old girl lost her life,” and 14 people were hospitalized, Mehrdad Hassanzadeh, director general of crisis management for Hormozgan province, of which Bandar Abbas is the capital, tells Mehr news agency.

Separate incidents have been reported elsewhere in the country today, but media outlets have quickly dismissed any connection to an attack or potential sabotage. Tensions are high as US President Donald Trump intensifies threats of military strikes against Iran.

With rumors circulating online, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) denies that any of the buildings belonging to its naval forces in the province were targeted, according to a statement carried by the Fars news agency.

The Tasnim agency also denies “assassination rumors” surrounding the commander of the Guards’ navy Alireza Tangsiri.