Beirut Explosion: Massive Blast Injures Thousands in Capital
A massive explosion at Lebanon’s main port rocked Beirut, overwhelming hospitals with thousands injured and at least dozens killed. The blast was so large it blew out windows across the capital and was even heard from Cyprus. Authorities say it was caused by highly explosive materials at the port, but didn’t immediately say whether it was an accident or an attack. Footage showed what appeared to be a fire, followed by crackling lights and then a larger explosion as an enormous cloud of smoke engulfed the area around the Port of Beirut. Buildings in the area and miles away were severely damaged, including the electricity company and other government entities. People were seen rushing on foot and motorbikes, some with blood streaming over their faces, outside a Beirut hospital as medical staff tried to admit only more severe cases. One hospital said it had taken in 400 people and others appealed for blood donations, saying they’d reached their capacity. “Beirut has never seen anything like this before,” Beirut Governor Marwan Abboud told reporters near the scene, comparing it to the aftermath of a nuclear bomb. “It is a destroyed city, people lying on the streets, damage everywhere.” At least 27 people were killed and 2,000 were injured, Health Minister Hamad Hasan said and described the situation at hospitals as “disastrous.” “Preliminary information indicates that there was highly explosive material that was confiscated a while back and stored,” Interior Minister Mahdmoud Fehme told a local television station. Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/2TwO8Gm QUICKTAKE ON SOCIAL: Follow QuickTake on Twitter: twitter.com/quicktake Like QuickTake on Facebook: facebook.com/quicktake Follow QuickTake on Instagram: instagram.com/quicktake Subscribe to our newsletter: https://bit.ly/2FJ0oQZ Email us at [email protected] QuickTake by Bloomberg is a global news network delivering up-to-the-minute analysis on the biggest news, trends and ideas for a new generation of leaders.
