Beirut is searching for survivors after a massive explosion rocked the Lebanese capital. At least 135 people are dead and 5,000 are wounded.
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Ryan Pickrell
Aug 6, 2020, 07:32 IST
Screenshot of a video purportedly showing explosion in BeirutScreenshot/Twitter
Rescuers are searching for survivors after a massive explosion shook the Lebanese capital city of Beirut on Tuesday, leveling buildings and causing extensive damage.
At least 135 people were reported dead with more than 5,000 others wounded, according to Lebanon's health minister.
Lebanon's prime minister blamed the ignition of more than 2,750 metric tons of ammonium nitrate improperly stored in the area. An investigation is ongoing.
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At least 100 people are dead and 4,000 are injured after a massive explosion on Tuesday shook the capital city of Beirut — with Lebanon continuing its search for survivors on Wednesday.
Lebanese Prime Minister Hassan Diab said the blast was caused by the ignition of more than 2,750 metric tons of ammonium nitrate stored insecurely at a warehouse. The explosion is under investigation.
"I will not rest until we find the person responsible for what happened," Diab told reporters, NBC News said.
Footage of the explosion from several vantage points around the city spread quickly on social media.
The explosion killed at least 135 people and wounded 5,000 others, Lebanon's health minister said, citing a report from The New York Times. Rescuers on Wednesday were searching for survivors amid rubble and leveled buildings.
The Lebanese prime minister later named the substance as ammonium nitrate.
President Donald Trump told reporters Tuesday that it "seems like" the devastating explosion was an "attack," citing purported conversations with US military officials.
Three Defense Department officials told CNN there was no evidence suggesting that.
—Ahmad M. Yassine | أحمد م. ياسين (@Lobnene_Blog) August 4, 2020
The full extent of the damage remains unclear, but local reports and imagery coming out of Beirut indicate widespread damage in the city.
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On Wednesday the country was to hold a national day of mourning.
Other countries offered medical staff and aid, field hospitals, and other aid money.
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