SHAFAQNA- The media reported on Tuesday that a terrible explosion was heard in the Lebanese capital, Beirut.
Some sources also reported that a large number of people were killed and injured in the blast. At the same time, sources said that the explosion in Beirut was caused by two consecutive explosions in a warehouse of incendiary materials and chemicals in the port of Beirut. However, the exact reason of the explosion has not yet been determined.
On the other hand, some Lebanese news sources, including the Al-Mayadin news network, confirmed the explosion in the port of Beirut, reporting that preliminary information indicates that it is not a terrorist explosion.
Meanwhile, Lebanese President Michel Aoun invited the country’s Supreme Defense Council to an emergency meeting at the Baabda Palace. Lebanese Prime Minister Hassan Diab also declared Wednesday as national day of mourning for the victims of the blast.
Al-Jazeera Qatar reported that the blast took place near the house of former Lebanese Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri, while CNN network reported the explosion happened in the port of Beirut.
However, Al Jazeera reported minutes later, quoting Lebanese sources, that preliminary information indicated that the explosion had taken place in an explosives depot (such as Torqah) in the port of Beirut.
AFP also reported that a huge explosion took place in Beirut and its sound was heard throughout the Lebanese capital.
However, the same news agency announced in another news that the exact cause and location of the explosion have not been determined yet, but the office of this news agency in the center of Beirut was shaken by the explosion and thick smoke was observed in the sky of Beirut.
Pictures and videos released from the scene indicate that the explosion was severe and a column of smoke could be seen high in the sky.
The Lebanese Minister of Health said that unfortunately, the explosion in Beirut killed tens of people and injured thousands.
“More than 30 people have been killed and 3,000 injured so far,” the Lebanese minister added.
On the other hand, Beirut hospitals are full of the injured and have accepted the wounded people beyond their capacity.