A massive explosion in the capital of Lebanon, Beirut, has reportedly killed 27 people, with over 2,500 people injured, and the cause of the explosion is still unknown.
Videos made public displayed a smoke column accompanied by a huge cloud of mushrooms. Besides, the city is dealing with overwhelmed hospitals and many damaged buildings.
According to Lebanon ‘s chief of internal security, the explosion happened in a building containing highly explosive materials.
The explosion happens at a critical moment for Lebanon. The nation is seeing former divisions reignited in an economic downturn. Hostilities are also strong ahead of Friday’s judgment in a court over the 2005 murder of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.
Lebanon: Why is the nation in crisis
Several reports suggest that the blast was likely an accident. Before the blast, Lebanon ‘s National News Agency said there was a fire outbreak. It described it as an explosive warehouse in the harbor.
Meanwhile, local media reported residents getting stuck beneath debris. A witness identified the first explosion as deafening, and video footage shows destroyed cars and buildings devastated by the blast.
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Furthermore, President Michel Aoun quickly called for the Supreme Defense Council to conduct an emergency meeting. A day of mourning will take place on Wednesday, the prime minister said.
The United Kingdom Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said the UK would offer help and assistance. Also, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said France would help wherever they can.
Shock and restlessness in Beirut
The videos and photos have caused a fresh wave of panic and fear in Lebanon, which is still bearing down on the verge of a devastating economic crisis, not only from the huge cloud of smoke emanating in Beirut but from the disruption and destruction it is causing kilometers away.
Just hours before the explosion, anti-government demonstrators were struggling outside the energy ministry with the security forces, again seeking transparency from the leaders of the country.
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