Breaking: Massive Explosion Rocks Lebanese Capital
By Nour El-Miligi
A huge explosion just broke in Beirut port rocking Lebanon’s capital, shattering windows, shaking building as far as 10 km away and leaving dozens with severe injuries.
Rumors are that a firecracker warehouse is what initiated the explosion, with several smaller explosions at the port taking place that proceeded a larger blast. The explosion reportedly caused widespread damage, destroying buildings in the vicinity, including the headquarters of former Prime Minister Saad Hariri and CNN’s bureau in the city.
Red smoke took over the skies of Beirut, with firefighters rushing to the scene in an attempt to curtail the fire as well as ambulances picking up countless casualties, leaving already overloaded hospitals jammed with dozens of injured people. Eye-witnesses described the explosion as horrific, with cars losing control down the highway, windows shattering across the city, and buildings crumbling as the massive plume of smoke continued to darken the skies.
The official reason for the explosion remains undeclared, yet an official in Beirut affirmed that it was not a terrorist attack.
