Residents of Shiraz, Iran, awoke to scenes of devastation after a powerful explosion ripped through an industrial workshop late Saturday night, unleashing massive fireballs and clouds of dense black smoke. The blast occurred at a gas-cylinder filling facility, and the shockwave was felt miles away, shattering windows and rattling buildings.

Early accounts indicate that 50- to 60-kilogram LPG cylinders were hurled hundreds of meters, damaging nearby shops and vehicles. Witnesses described chaotic scenes as firefighters battled towering flames and residents fled in panic.

“It felt like an earthquake,” one eyewitness recounted. “There were explosions everywhere, and people were running for their lives.”

Authorities confirmed that at least nine people were injured, though state media initially reported only two minor injuries. It took seven firefighting units several hours to bring the fire under control.

Officials have not dismissed the possibility of sabotage, but early investigations point to a gas leak as the likely cause. Nearby homes and warehouses were evacuated as a precaution.

This marks yet another industrial disaster in Iran this year, underscoring ongoing concerns about outdated infrastructure, lax safety standards, and inadequate oversight. Experts warn that such conditions make these facilities vulnerable to both accidents and potential attacks.

Videos shared online captured the terrifying scene — flames illuminating the night sky as emergency workers scrambled to move explosive cylinders away from the fire’s reach. The scale and intensity of the blast have made it one of the most alarming industrial incidents in recent memory.

As investigators work to determine the exact cause, residents of Shiraz remain shaken, reminded of how suddenly routine industrial work can turn into a disaster zone.