“Thousands” were injured as a result of the blast.
A large blast in the Lebanese capital, Beirut, has killed dozens of people and injured more than 2,500 others, the country’s health minister has said.
At the time of writing (Tuesday 4 August), at least 50 people have been killed as a result of the blast.
It is not yet clear what caused the explosion in the port region of Beirut.
A BBC journalist who was present at the scene reported a number of dead bodies and “severe damage” done to the area.
Officials have said that it seems as though the blast was an accident, rather than a deliberate act.
A number of reports suggested that explosive material that was stored near the port had blown up, causing the explosion, though no official cause has been reported yet.
A number of shocking videos of the blast were shared widely on social media throughout the day.
Footage showed the blast shattering windows, destroying doors and shaking buildings from several hundred feet away.
https://twitter.com/akhbar/status/1290697539566678017?s=20
President Michael D Higgins has released a statement saying that “the hearts of the Irish people are with the Lebanese people”.
Statement from President Higgins on the explosions in Beirut: pic.twitter.com/Lb7Ei4bS0q
— President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) August 4, 2020
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