4 August 2020
Beirut, Lebanon
Massive warehouse explosion rocks Beirut, causing thousands of injuries and widespread damage
At least 3,000 people have been injured and 50 killed. Those numbers are likely to rise with hospitals filling up fast.
Diab said it was "unacceptable" that a shipment of ammonium nitrate estimated at 2,750 tons had been in warehouse for six years without "preventive measures" in place to protect it. The chemical compound, which is commercially available, is used widely in fertilizers and explosives.
It wasn't clear what ignited the shipment, but at least 3,000 people were injured and 50 were killed, Minister of Health Hassan Hamad said at a press conference earlier Tuesday. Those numbers are likely to rise with hospitals filling up fast.
Images and videos on social media appear to show large plumes of smoke and damaged buildings.
A helicopter puts out a fire at the scene of the explosion in Beirut. AFP - Getty Images
Read more : Massive warehouse explosion rocks Beirut, causing injuries and widespread damage
Beirut, Lebanon
Massive warehouse explosion rocks Beirut, causing thousands of injuries and widespread damage
At least 3,000 people have been injured and 50 killed. Those numbers are likely to rise with hospitals filling up fast.
Diab said it was "unacceptable" that a shipment of ammonium nitrate estimated at 2,750 tons had been in warehouse for six years without "preventive measures" in place to protect it. The chemical compound, which is commercially available, is used widely in fertilizers and explosives.
It wasn't clear what ignited the shipment, but at least 3,000 people were injured and 50 were killed, Minister of Health Hassan Hamad said at a press conference earlier Tuesday. Those numbers are likely to rise with hospitals filling up fast.
Images and videos on social media appear to show large plumes of smoke and damaged buildings.
Read more : Massive warehouse explosion rocks Beirut, causing injuries and widespread damage