#BREAKING Massive explosion reported at a power station in Karaj, in Iran pic.twitter.com/r17oAHSx9H
— Conflict Radar (@Conflict_Radar) May 3, 2025
> UPDATE: A magnitude 4.0 earthquake struck 16 km southwest of Karaj, Iran tonight at a depth of 8 km. It is unclear if the quake is connected to the reported explosion.#Breaking #Iran #Karaj #Earthquake pic.twitter.com/iiK3S5T96f
— Breaking News (@PlanetReportHQ) May 3, 2025
Massive explosion reported at Montazer Ghaem Power Plant in Karaj, Iran around 9 PM.
Locals heard air defense systems and felt tremors. Area is near an IRGC hub. #Iran #Karaj #Explosion #IRGC pic.twitter.com/LoyYjXAiFj— 𝕿𝖆𝖗𝖚𝖓 तरुण 卐 🇮🇳 (@fptarun) May 3, 2025
A powerful explosion rocked the Montazer Ghaem Power Plant in Karaj Iran late Saturday night sending shockwaves through the city and triggering widespread power outages. The blast occurred around 9 PM local time and was followed by a magnitude 4.0 earthquake that further rattled the region. Residents reported hearing a deafening explosion before feeling the ground shake adding to the chaos of the evening.
Authorities have yet to confirm the exact cause of the explosion but early reports suggest it may have originated from a scrap unit near the facility. The fire that followed engulfed parts of the power station forcing emergency crews to respond swiftly. Iranian officials have not linked the explosion to any external attack though some local sources claim air defense systems were activated moments after the blast. Witnesses also reported seeing low flying fighter jets over the area.
The timing of this disaster raises serious questions. A major explosion at a critical power facility followed by an earthquake in the same area is not something that happens every day. Whether these events are connected or simply a tragic coincidence remains unclear but the impact on the region is undeniable.
The Montazer Ghaem Power Plant is a key energy hub supplying electricity to large parts of Alborz Province and beyond. With a generating capacity of 1600 megawatts any disruption to its operations could have significant consequences. Officials have assured the public that efforts are underway to restore power but many areas remain in darkness as crews work to contain the fire and assess the damage.
Power infrastructure is the backbone of any modern society. When a facility of this scale suffers a catastrophic failure the ripple effects can be felt far beyond the immediate vicinity. The coming days will reveal whether this was an isolated incident or a sign of deeper vulnerabilities in Iran’s energy sector.
The earthquake which struck shortly after the explosion added another layer of uncertainty to the situation. Measuring 4.0 on the Richter scale the tremor was felt as far away as Tehran and caused temporary power disruptions in several communities. Emergency response teams are evaluating whether the quake contributed to the explosion or if it was an unrelated seismic event.
Investigations are ongoing with officials working to determine the full extent of the damage and any potential casualties. As of now no deaths or injuries have been officially reported but the scale of destruction suggests that the situation could evolve. Residents have been urged to remain cautious as authorities continue their assessments.