After powerful explosions struck several oil depots, residents in Iran described an eerie night. As military operations continued in the entire country, strikes were carried out overnight. The blasts, according to people living nearby the site, were so bright the darkness suddenly appeared like daylight.
The explosions, according to witnesses, caused massive fires and dense smoke which spread throughout nearby neighbourhoods. A resident said that suddenly the sky was lit by a bright red glow. A shockwave then shook the windows and doors of nearby houses.
Many first believed it to be an earthquake, or even a major accident. Within moments, flames were visible on the entire skyline. On their roofs, residents saw an intense fire burning near a fuel depot.
Panic and fire in Tehran
The flames reached close to residential and commercial buildings. As people tried to comprehend what happened, they could hear them shouting.
The blast has caused panic among witnesses. Many residents fled outside, while others chose to stay in their homes. Later, emergency crews moved in to the area to contain the fire and secure the nearby buildings.
Residents of Karaj describe massive blast
Locals in Karaj (west of Tehran) said that the city was quiet during the early morning hours.
A resident reported that the explosion began as a red flash which illuminated the whole area. Then, a strong wave shook doors in nearby homes. A huge cloud of red appeared moments later as the depot began to burn.
As residents tried to make sense of what was going on, they described their confusion and fears.
Concerns about air quality after oil depot fire
Later, authorities warned that fires may release harmful chemicals into the atmosphere. The officials said that burning fuel could produce harmful substances to public health.
Environment teams began monitoring air quality in the Capital.
The officials also warn that smoke from fuel burning facilities can spread dangerous particles to nearby areas.
Safety Concerns are Growing
Strikes on oil depots raised safety concerns in heavily populated areas. The fuel storage sites often are located close to residential areas, increasing the risks for civilians in an attack.
Fires in oil installations can last for a long time and release dangerous gases, according to experts. The emergency teams are continuing to work on preventing the fires from spreading and limiting the damage.
The sudden explosions, bright fires and raging flames made for a memorable night.
