The explosion could be heard some 125 miles away in Cyprus
A blast which rocked Beirut in Lebanon has now killed at least 100 people and injured more than 4,000, officials say.
The explosion occurred when a fire at the city’s port spiralled out of control. Several big bangs could be heard, followed by a mushroom cloud.
Although investigations are still being conducted, it is not believed to be a nuclear explosion.
Michael Aoun, President of Lebanon, says it was caused by 2750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate having been left unsecured in a warehouse for six years.
These are views echoed by independent fact checkers at Vice and Lead Stories.
A two-week state of emergency is likely to be declared, and Lebanon will observe three days’ mourning from Wednesday.
Footage posted on Twitter shows the crushing, devastating impact of the blast, which caused a mushroom cloud of smoke to cover the city.
Hospitals in Beirut are understood to be overwhelmed with casualties.
WARNING: distressing images
Footage of the Explosion in #Beirut #Lebanon a few minutes ago. Praying for the safety of everyone. pic.twitter.com/6Q3y6A6DxL
— Fady Roumieh (@FadyRoumieh) August 4, 2020
There’s been a huge explosion in #Beirut, #Lebanon. pic.twitter.com/BxGABSrPHR
— Jake Hanrahan (@Jake_Hanrahan) August 4, 2020
Reuters news agency quotes sources as saying 10 bodies have been pulled from the wreckage.
— Aleph א (@no_itsmyturn) August 4, 2020
The blast comes at a time of political tension in Lebanon, following recent protests against the government’s handling of an economic crisis.
The official cause of the explosion is still under investigation, but experts and fact checkers have rubbished reports it was caused by a nuclear blast.
They echo President Aoun’s assertion that it was caused by tonnes of ammonium nitrate left unsafe in a warehouse at the city’s port area.
