Thousands injured as explosion rocks central Beirut
A huge explosion has rocked the Lebanese capital Beirut leaving thousands injured and more than 50 dead.
Videos circulating on social media showed the aftermath of an explosion from the Lebanese capital’s port area, with doors and windows blown out in buildings across the city.
The port is near Mar Mikhael — a neighbourhood popular with aid workers and foreign journalists.
The explosion has killed at more than 50 people and left over 2,700 injured, Lebanon’s health minister said in televised remarks.
“What we are witnessing is a huge catastrophe,” the head of Lebanon’s Red Cross George Kettani told broadcaster Mayadeen. “There are victims and casualties everywhere – in all the streets and areas near and far from the explosion.”
Lebanon’s interior minister later told the MTV Lebanon channel the explosion appeared to have been caused by “huge quantities of ammonium nitrate” being stored at the port. Hospitals are reported to be overwhelmed by casualties.
Local media showed people trapped beneath rubble, with a witness describing the first explosion as deafening.
The office of Lebanon’s Daily Star newspaper, about 400 metres from the port, was among the buildings damaged from the explosion.
Three hours after the blast, a fire still blazed in the port district according to a Reuters report.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson joined others in offering their support to Lebanon after the explosion.
“The pictures and videos from Beirut tonight are shocking,” Johnson wrote on Twitter. “All of my thoughts and prayers are with those caught up in this terrible incident.
“The UK is ready to provide support in any way we can, including to those British nationals affected.”
The US State Department said it was closely following report of an explosion and stands ready to offer “all possible assistance”.
It comes at an incredibly difficult time for Lebanon, which is on the brink of financial collapse. The coronavirus pandemic has compounded government corruption and financial mismanagement.
The explosion also comes ahead of a UN tribunal on Friday, which is set to issue its verdict in the trial in absentia of four suspects in the murder of ex-PM Hariri.
Hariri’s death in a car bomb 15 years ago triggered regional upheaval and a wave of international pressure which forced Syria to end its 29-year military presence in Lebanon.
The four suspects are from Iran-backed group Hezbollah, which is both a political party in Lebanon’s government and a guerrilla group.
Hezbollah denies any role in Hariri’s killing and has dismissed the UN tribunal as politicised.