A massive explosion near Lebanon’s capital has killed at least 10 people, shattering glass in people’s homes.
While disclosing this on Tuesday August 4, 2020,
witnesses and security sources stated that the blast caused apartment balconies to collapse.
The blast occurred in the city’s port area, where there were warehouses housing explosives.
According to Lebanon’s state news agency and security sources, there were chemcials stored in the area.
Footage of the blast shared around by residents on social media showed a column of smoke rising from the port district followed by an enormous blast.
Those filming what initially appeared to be a big blaze where thrown backwards by the shock.
At least 10 bodies were taken to hospitals, a security source and a medical source said.
“I saw a fireball and smoke billowing over Beirut. People were screaming and running, bleeding.
“Balconies were blown off buildings. Glass in high-rise buildings shattered and fell to the street,” said a witness.
Another witness said she saw heavy grey smoke near the port area and then heard an explosion and saw flames of fire and black smoke.
“All the downtown area windows are smashed and there are wounded people walking around. It is total chaos.”
UN spokesman Farhan Haq told reporters it was not immediately clear what the cause was, and that there was no indication of any injuries to any UN personnel.
“We do not have information about what has happened precisely, what has caused this, whether it’s accidental ormanmade act,” he said.
The US pentagon said, “We are aware of the explosion and are concerned for the potential loss of life due to such a massive explosion.”
In Cyprus, an island lying west of Lebanon, residents reported two large bangs in quick succession.
One resident of the capital Nicosia said his house shook, rattling shutters.
