Following the explosion, a major fire broke out, sending massive black clouds of smoke into the sky. Workers and emergency responders promptly evacuated individuals and transported the injured to hospitals. State-run media indicated that the blast originated from the destruction of several unsealed containers located in the port's wharf area. Local officials noted that the force of the explosion was so great that they felt it from several kilometers away. With the number of injuries climbing rapidly throughout the day, the crisis presents an ongoing challenge for emergency services in the region.