At least 100 killed and 4,000 injured in Beirut explosion
- August 5, 2020
- 9:44 am
Matt Head
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The head of Lebanon’s Red Cross, George Kettaneh, said at least 100 people were killed and more than 4,000 were wounded in the Beirut explosion yesterday (4th August), adding the toll could rise further.
Video footage shows the moment a building exploded, sending a huge shockwave across the city that was heard and felt as far away as Cyprus – more than 125 miles (200km) away.
Lebanon’s prime minister has called for a day of mourning today (5th August), saying that his country was experiencing “a real catastrophe” and said those responsible would pay the price.
He tweeted that Tuesday’s blast was caused by more than 2,700 tonnes of ammonium nitrate left unsecured at a warehouse near the city’s port for six years.
Earlier reports had suggested the building was a fireworks storage warehouse.
US President Donald Trump said his generals believed the explosion was probably a bomb attack – but did not provide any evidence or further explanation.
Residents reported collapsed ceilings and shattered windows as far away as 2km (1.2 miles), as a huge column of red smoke rose over the city.
On Wednesday morning smoke was still rising from the port, as residents woke to a scene of devastation. Images showed the wounded bloodied and dazed walking in the streets, calling for help or in search of missing loved ones.
Cars are upturned and streets covered in shattered glass and twisted metal, with homes and businesses reduced to rubble.
Lebanon’s internal security chief, Abbas Ibrahim, also said the blast may have been caused by explosive material confiscated from a ship and stored at the port.