At least 78 people were reported killed and another 4,000 injured in a huge explosion near the center of Beirut early Tuesday evening. Another blast injured hundreds and sent shockwaves across the Lebanese capital on Tuesday, shattering windows and causing apartment balconies to collapse.
The most powerful explosion to hit Beirut in years shook the ground, leaving some residents thinking an earthquake had struck. Dazed and weeping, some of them wounded, people walked through streets checking to see if relatives were hurt.
Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook and Twitter
The blast occurred in the city's port area. Lebanon's interior minister said initial information indicated highly explosive material, seized years ago, that had been stored there had blown up. Lebanon-based broadcaster Mayadeen cited the country's customs director saying tonnes of nitrate exploded.
Footage of the explosion shared by residents on social media initially showed a column of smoke rising from the port district followed by an enormous blast that sent a ball of white smoke and fireball into the sky. Those filming the incident from high buildings in other areas of the city were thrown backward by the shock.
At least 10 bodies were taken to hospitals, a security source and a medical source told Reuters. The Lebanese Red Cross said hundreds of people were taken to hospitals for treatment.
Video: Reuters
Lebanese President Michel Aoun called for an emergency meeting of the country's Supreme Defense Council, according to the presidency's Twitter account. Prime Minister Hassan Diab called for a day of mourning on Wednesday.
The explosion occurred three days before a UN-backed court is due to deliver a verdict in the trial of four suspects from the Shi'ite group Hezbollah over a 2005 bombing which killed former prime minister Rafik al-Hariri and 21 other people.
It was not immediately clear what caused the blaze that set off the blast.
Internal Security Chief Abbas Ibrahim, touring the port area, said he would not pre-empt investigations. An Israeli official said Israel, which has fought several wars with Lebanon, had nothing to do with the blast.
The explosion comes amid renewed tension between Lebanon and Israel following a recent attempt by Hezbollah to stage a cross-border raid from Lebanon. Israel foiled that attack, but later another squad attempted to perpetrate an attack on the Golan Heights, this time from Syria.
The terrorists were killed after being detected by the Israel Defense Forces before they could perpetrate an attack. On Tuesday, Netanyahu warned Hezbollah and Lebanon that Israel will not hesitate to defend itself.
The governor of Beirut port told Sky News that a team of firefighters at the scene had "disappeared" after the explosion.
"I saw a fireball and smoke billowing over Beirut. People were screaming and running, bleeding. Balconies were blown off buildings. Glass in high-rise buildings shattered and fell to the street," said a witness who spoke to Reuters.
Residents said glass was broken in houses from Raouche, on the Mediterranean city's western tip, to Rabieh 10 km (6 miles) east). For a long time after the blast, ambulance sirens sounded across the city and helicopters hovered above.
The health minister said there was a "very high number" of injured. Al Mayadeen TV said hundreds were wounded.
Another witness said she saw heavy gray smoke near the port area and then heard an explosion and saw flames and black smoke: "All the downtown area windows are smashed and there are wounded people walking around. It is total chaos."
UN spokesman Farhan Haq told reporters it was not immediately clear what the cause was, and that there was no indication of any injuries to any UN personnel.
"We do not have information about what has happened precisely, what has caused this, whether it's accidental or manmade act," he said.
Video: Reuters
In Cyprus, a Mediterranean island lying 110 miles (180 km) northwest of Beirut, residents reported hearing two large bangs in quick succession. One resident of the capital Nicosia said his house shook, rattling shutters.
Subscribe to Israel Hayom's daily newsletter and never miss our top stories!
