Everything About the 2 Explosions in Beirut That Has Killed at Least 78 People & Injured Thousands of People

Just a few days ago, a gas leak in a restaurant in Japan led to an explosion that reduced to the building to its steel frame.

The blast left one dead and 18 others injured.

Now, another explosion has occurred, and it’s much more devastating.

2 Explosions in Beirut Killed at Least 78 People & Injured Thousands of People

At least 78 people have died and nearly 4,000 injured in two massive explosions that ripped through Lebanon’s capital, Beirut.

The blasts caused widespread damage in the city, shaking buildings, shattering windows, and wrecking cars.

The cause of the explosions is still unknown, but some believe it’s linked to a warehouse in the port that stored around 2,700 tonnes of confiscated ammonium nitrate.

Ammonium nitrate is often used as fertiliser but is also a component of some explosives.

Hundreds of those who were wounded in the explosions were taken to hospital, yet there are reportedly many more who are trapped in their homes and even under the rubble.

“There are many people missing until now. People are asking the emergency department about their loved ones and it is difficult to search at night because there is no electricity,” Lebanon’s health minister Hamad Hasan told Reuters.

“We are facing a real catastrophe and need time to assess the extent of damages.”

Some hospitals, such as the Hotel Dieu Hospital in Beirut, are overwhelmed and aren’t able to receive more patients.

Many of the wounded need operations, the hospital said.

The deafening blast was so immense that it damaged areas outside of Beirut as well. Pandemonium erupted in the streets as people were running around screaming, covered in blood. Houses have also collapsed, and the roads and pavements are covered in broken glass.

“Those Responsible Will Pay the Price”

Lebanese President Michel Aoun tweeted it was “unacceptable” that 2,750 tonnes of the highly explosive ammonium nitrate was stored in a warehouse for a long period of time without any safety measures.

According to BBC, there are typically strict rules in place for storing ammonium nitrate because of how flammable it is.

Aoun said a state of emergency would be declared in Beirut for two weeks, and promised that those responsible would face the “harshest punishments”.

Prime Minister Hassan Diab vowed retribution as well.

“I promise you that this catastrophe will not pass without accountability … Those responsible will pay the price,” he said.

“Facts about this dangerous warehouse that has been there since 2014 will be announced and I will not preempt the investigations”.

Investigations into the cause of the explosions are under way.

Reaction From Other Countries

Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said that his country would “render assistance in any way necessary” to Lebanon in this time of need.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the great and resilient people of Lebanon.

As always, Iran is fully prepared to render assistance in any way necessary.

Stay strong, Lebanon.

🖤🇱🇧

— Javad Zarif (@JZarif) August 4, 2020

UK Prime Minister said the blasts were “shocking” and offered to provide support to the ravaged city as well.

The pictures and videos from Beirut tonight are shocking. All of my thoughts and prayers are with those caught up in this terrible incident. The UK is ready to provide support in any way we can, including to those British nationals affected.

— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) August 4, 2020

In a press conference, US President Donald Trump said he was told by his generals that the blast was triggered by a “bomb” of some kind, referring to the incident as an “attack”.

Let’s hope that those wounded manage to get the help they need.