Huge explosions rock Beirut killing more than 70 people, injuring thousands

A smoke from a massive explosion is seen in in Beirut, Lebanon, Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2020. Massive explosions rocked downtown Beirut on Tuesday, flattening much of the port, damaging buildings and blowing out windows and doors as a giant mushroom cloud rose above the capital. Witnesses saw many people injured by flying glass and debris. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)

By The Associated Press and Hana Mae Nassar

Posted August 4, 2020 8:29 am.

Last Updated August 6, 2020 1:19 am.

Editor’s note: Some of the images and video in this article may be disturbing to some viewers

BEIRUT — A massive explosion rocked Beirut on Tuesday, flattening much of the port, damaging buildings across the capital and sending a giant mushroom cloud into the sky. At least 70 people were killed and 3,000 injured, with bodies buried in the rubble, officials said.

The Lebanese Red told local TV there were hundreds of casualties, although many were superficial wounds from broken glass during the blast, which happened around 6:30 p.m. local time

Images shared online show widespread damage across the capital and surrounding areas after the explosion. The cause of the explosion has not yet been confirmed, however, local media reports are now quoting a high level security chief as saying the blast was in an area of the port that contained highly explosive materials.

Earlier reports suggested the blast was in an area where firecrackers were stored.

It was stunning even for a city that has been shaken by civil war, suicide bombings and bombardment by Israel.

Dozens of ambulances ferried the injured from the port area to hospitals, many of which reportedly were at capacity.

The Red Cross put out an urgent call for blood donations of all types, adding all resources from the country’s north, south, and Bekaa regions were being diverted to help rescue and evacuation efforts.

Some footage from central Beirut shows people hurt on the ground and buildings crumbling.

A fire seen in video raging at the port sent up a giant column of smoke, illuminated by flashes of what appear to be fireworks. The fire then appeared to catch at a nearby building, triggering a more massive explosion, sending up a mushroom cloud and a shock wave over the city.

The explosion shattered windows miles away, with reports of damage even at the country’s Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport.

Some areas, including the Beirut Souks — a major commercial district in Beirut’s central district — and downtown core, were unrecognizable after the blast.

The explosion came at a time when Lebanon is passing through its worst economic and financial crisis in decades.

It also comes amid rising tensions between Israel and the militant Hezbollah group along Lebanon’s southern border.

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