Massive Explosion Rocks Lebanon’s Capital

A massive explosion has hit the Lebanese capital Beirut, officials have said.

Smoke could be seen billowing above the city's port following the explosion. There is significant damage and several people are injured, according to eyewitnesses.

It is unknown what caused the blast but footage showed several buildings falling near the explosion.



Several witnesses present in Beirut said that this was the largest and most devastating explosion they had felt.

Joelle Bassoul, a human rights worker in Beirut, was in the neighbourhood with her mother when they felt two shock waves.

"The first one was a big bang I immediately knew it was an explosion and like within seconds there was a second very strong shockwave," Bassoul told Euronews.

"People were screaming around us, a few cars were blown into the building," she added, explaining that when she returned to her apartment building nearby, it was completely destroyed.

She said that people in the streets were panicked and there was damage everywhere.

"Please make way to our ambulances," the Red Cross tweeted. Photos emerged of blood on the ground in several buildings and significant damage.'


"President Aoun pursued the details of the massive explosion that occurred in the port of Beirut and gave instructions to all armed forces to work to address the repercussions of the big explosion and to conduct patrols in the affected districts of the capital and suburbs to control security," the Lebanese Presidency tweeted.

"My apartment and building completely destroyed by Beirut explosion. People injured and hospitals are filling up. Hope everyone is safe. Praying for Beirut," Samah Hadid at the Norwegian Refugee Council tweeted.

Lebanon's health ministry tweeted saying hospitals should treat the injured at its expense.

A neurosurgeon working in Beirut, Fred Bteich, tweeted saying that it would be a long night in the ER with patients "piled up" on the floor.

Netblocks, which monitors internet service, showed a significant internet outage in Lebanon following the blast.

[ By Euro News ]