Huge Explosion In Beirut Kills At Least 60 People In Lebanon's Capital

At least 60 people have been killed and thousands are injured after a large explosion rocked the Lebanese capital Beirut as images showed a giant column of smoke rising over the city.

The most powerful explosion to hit Beirut in years shook the ground, leaving some residents thinking an earthquake had struck.

The blast occurred in the city’s port area, where there were warehouses housing explosives, reports suggested. A security source told the Reuters news agency there were chemicals stored in the area.

At least 60 people were killed and 3,000 injured, with bodies buried in the rubble, officials said.

Hours later, ambulances still carried away the wounded as army helicopters helped battle fires raging at the port.

Footage of the blast shared by residents on social media showed a huge plume of smoke rising from the port district followed by an enormous blast. Those filming what initially appeared to be a big blaze were thrown backwards by the shock of the explosion.

Despite speculation online, there was no confirmation of what caused such a massive blast.

Abbas Ibrahim, chief of Lebanese General Security, said it might have been caused by highly explosive material that was confiscated from a ship some time ago and stored at the port.

Local television channel LBC said the material was sodium nitrate.

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