On Saturday, April 27, 2025, a horrific explosion occurred at the Shahid Rajaee Port, located southwest of Bandar Abbas in Hormozgan Province, killing more than 70 people and injuring more than a thousand others.
This explosion brought to mind the Beirut Port explosion disaster in 2020, as ammonium nitrate has been behind many devastating accidents. In this report, we address the characteristics of this dangerous substance, how it affects explosions, as well as the necessary preventive measures.
Ammonium nitrate: What is it and why can it cause an explosion?
Ammonium Nitrate (Ammonium Nitrate) is a chemical with a crystalline structure and is mainly used in agricultural fertilizers. Although it is stable under normal conditions, it becomes highly explosive when exposed to high temperatures or when mixed with other carbon-containing substances.
In the case of the Shahid Rajai port explosion, eyewitnesses noted the presence of thick orange smoke, which reinforces the hypothesis about the presence of ammonium nitrate at the scene. Speaking to BBC Persian, Andrea Sala, professor of chemistry at University College London, said: "The orange smoke and the fire that erupted clearly indicate the presence of ammonium nitrate."
How does ammonium nitrate cause explosions?
When ammonium nitrate is exposed to intense heat or when mixed with carbon-containing organic materials, it begins to thermally decompose, releasing hot, high-energy gases such as nitrogen, water vapor, and nitrogen oxides. If this happens in an enclosed space, the risk of explosion increases dramatically.
Reports indicate that the temperature in Bandar Abbas on the day of the incident was 42 degrees Celsius, which could make the substance more dangerous due to the high humidity, which contributes to the agglomeration of ammonium nitrate and makes it more difficult to store safely.
Materials used for industry, agriculture and military purposes
Ammonium nitrate is mainly used in agriculture as a fertilizer, but it also has uses in the explosives industry, especially in mining. Although this substance can be part of the military industry in some cases, scientists like Andrea Sala emphasized that in military weapons, ammonium nitrate is not usually used because of its sensitivity to moisture and heat.
Preventing the recurrence of disasters: How can such incidents be prevented?
Given the significant risks associated with ammonium nitrate, strict procedures must be followed to ensure its safe storage. These include:
Store in safe conditions: Ammonium nitrate should be stored in fire- and moisture-resistant warehouses, with good ventilation, and specific quantities of stored materials to avoid any negative reactions.
Prevent contact with flammable materials: Ammonium nitrate should not come into contact with oils or flammable materials, as it can significantly increase the risk of explosion.
Advanced fire extinguishing systems: Facilities that store ammonium nitrate should be equipped with early fire detection systems, and fire extinguishing systems should be compatible with the properties of the material.
Training and control: All personnel involved in the storage and transportation of ammonium nitrate must be trained on how to handle it safely, with periodic inspections to ensure compliance with security standards.
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