**This story contains video footage that may be disturbing to some viewers**
A massive explosion has shaken the city centre area of Beirut, Lebanon and caused widespread destruction.
Several people have been injured and heavy damage is reported.
Windows were blown out and doors ripped off their hinges in buildings more than two kilometres away.
The explosion was centred around the port and may have originated in an area where firecrackers were stored.
As of 2:15 p.m on Tuesday, Lebanon’s health minister has said more than 50 people are dead and over 2,700 hundred have been wounded or injured from the blast.
Videos have started emerging on social media showing the massive eruption, which saw a mushroom cloud burst from the source and a shock wave sent through the city.
Port of beirut* pic.twitter.com/32a8fDP4LY
— Romy (@romyjournalist) August 4, 2020
The cause of the explosion has yet to be confirmed.
Absolutely horrifying video of the explosion in Beirut. pic.twitter.com/GN0QWNxJY9
— Philip DeFranco (@PhillyD) August 4, 2020
Following the explosion, images have started to emerge of the aftermath, including significant damage to the interior and exterior of buildings as well as wounded citizens and residents.
BREAKING: Massive explosion in Beirut. Footage from the daily star office now in Lebanon pic.twitter.com/2uBsKP5wCH
— Ghada Alsharif (@GhadaaSharif) August 4, 2020
Israel’s government has added that it had nothing to do with the massive explosion in Lebanon.
The blast comes amid rising tensions between Israel and the militant Hezbollah group along Lebanon’s southern border.
This is a developing story. It will be updated as more information becomes available.
Graham Cox
