Massive Explosion Shakes Beirut (LIVE BLOG)
A large explosion struck the port of Beirut Tuesday afternoon, in the heart of the Lebanese capital. The blast wave from the explosion overturned vehicles, shattered windows and damaged buildings several kilometers away.
Some reports from the ground suggest that the blast was felt and heard almost 20-35km away from Beirut.
#BREAKING – Video shows another angle of the HORRIFIC explosion in #Beirut, #Lebanon. At least 10+ are dead, with an increase expected. Reports of individuals trapped in the rubble, per Red Cross. pic.twitter.com/vnA2uw9bGG
— SV News 🚨 (@SVNewsAlerts) August 4, 2020
August 4, 6:00 (GMT +3)
Official reports claim the explosion was a result of fireworks which had malfunctioned, however social media users have said the port was targeted and a fuel ship was struck. Unconfirmed reports by local media suggest that the explosion took place in an area of the port used to store fireworks.
Watch the scene of a large explosion as thick smoke rises from Lebanon’s capital Beirut https://t.co/ot2sUqG4wf
— Reuters (@Reuters) August 4, 2020
August 4, 7:00(GMT +3)
“At least 10 bodies were taken to hospitals … The Lebanese Red Cross said hundreds of people were taken to hospitals for treatment,” news agency Reuters reported.
I slowed footage of the explosion down 4x. pic.twitter.com/hmLrw6wEqo
— Shane 🇪🇺 (@i0null) August 4, 2020
August 4, 8:00 (GMT +3)
Lebanese President Michael Aoun has called the Supreme Defence Council for an urgent emergency meeting in Baabda Palace.
Widespread damage after huge blast in Lebanese capital Beirut
The cause of the explosion, near the city’s port, is not yet known
Live updates: https://t.co/GseFssadEY pic.twitter.com/ZYqiu49FiD
— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) August 4, 2020
According to the BBC, “the cause of the blast remains unknown”.
August 4, 8:40 (GMT +3)
Lebanese Prime Minister Hassan Diab declares Wednesday a “national day of mourning”.
#Beirut #Lebanon
#beirutexplosion
another day another tragedy beirut mayor says :
“This is like Hiroshima.”god forgive us…. pic.twitter.com/vC0mHEFIe0
— nikhil singh (@YourRentalBf) August 4, 2020
August 4, 9:20 (GMT +3)
Lebanese Prime Minister, Hassan Diab will deliver a speech at 9:30 pm.
(Palestine Chronicle, MEMO, Social Media)