Beirut, Lebanon: A massive explosion shook the Lebanese capital, Beirut, on Tuesday evening. The blast appears to have been centered on the city’s port area.
Dozens of people are feared dead and hundreds have been wounded in a powerful explosion that ripped through Lebanon’s capital, Beirut.
The massive explosion on Tuesday at Beirut’s port sent shockwaves across the city, causing widespread damage to buildings and shattering windows in different parts of the capital.
The exact cause of the explosion was not immediately clear. Mohammed Fahmi, Lebanon’s interior minister, said it appeared to have been caused by ammonium nitrate that was stored in a warehouse at the port.
Hamad Hassan, Lebanon’s health minister, said hundreds were wounded in the explosion. Security sources put the initial death toll at 10 but medical and rescue teams on the ground said dozens were killed.
Helicopters circling the port area were trying to extinguish a large fire.
At Hotel Dieu hospital, dozens of people trying to enter were being turned away.
After a man was pronounced dead, a young woman told an infant child, “Youssef, dad is in heaven.” One man collapsed on the hospital floor and smacked it, while another man said “it’s a catastrophe”. ❑
Footage of the massive explosion at #Beirut port a short while ago. It's truly frightening. #Lebanon pic.twitter.com/OZ0hZ5SwlC
— Nader Itayim | نادر ایتیّم (@ncitayim) August 4, 2020
