An explosion in the Lebanon city of Beirut has left many dead and thousands injured. Reports are still coming in on the details of the explosion.
Lebanon’s interior minister has said stores of ammonium nitrate likely caused the blast.
UPDATE:
US President Donald Trump has said he believes the explosion to be a bomb attack:
Officials said it appeared the blast was caused by the detonation of more than 2,700 tons of ammonium nitrate, a chemical commonly used in fertilizer and bombs, which had been stored in a warehouse at the port since it was confiscated from a cargo ship in 2014.[2]
US Embassy in Beirut released a statement advising that people wear masks and stay indoors, following “reports of toxic gases released in the explosion”. Many people’s windows where shattered by the blast making it difficult to avoid breathing the air outside.
The American University of Aerosol Research Lab’s indicators showed that air quality levels had returned to “Good” by 7pm, however, after showing “Moderate” levels of particulate matter an hour earlier.[1]
https://twitter.com/HanneyAngel/status/1290779174261731329
Governor of Beirut tears up at the scene of the explosion. 'I've never in my life seen damage this enormous… this is a national catastrophe. This is a disaster for Lebanon." https://t.co/F64Eu7gRt8
— Sara Hussein (@sarahussein) August 4, 2020
Just received this video!!! Everyone stay safe. #Beirut pic.twitter.com/2t5a82Ha67
— Zaiنab Hijazi (@zainabhijazi97) August 4, 2020
Two explosions in central Beirut pic.twitter.com/xItmpFJaly
— Sarah Dadouch | سارة دعدوش (@SarahDadouch) August 4, 2020
This guy was easily 1.5 to 2 miles away!!#Beirut pic.twitter.com/MKtp32nvqx
— Its_skagg (@ItsSkagg) August 4, 2020
My heart is with Beirut. This shockwave's radius is large. pic.twitter.com/gec9026QkG
— ‘Äntē (@inioIuwa) August 4, 2020
We will update you with more details as they come in.