BEIRUT: A powerful explosion in the Lebanese capital, Beirut, has killed at least 70 people and injured more than 4,000 others, BBC reported.
According to the report, highly explosive materials stored in a warehouse for a long time may have triggered the explosion.
However, President Michel Aoun tweeted it was “unacceptable” that 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate was stored unsafely.
Hospitals are said to be overwhelmed and many buildings have been destroyed.
President Aoun declared a three-day mourning period, and said the government would release 100 billion lira ($66m) in emergency funds.
(With inputs from Agencies)
Comment