The Guardian

Oil and Gas 360 Publishers Note: Our Hearts and Prayers go out to the people of Lebanon.

Interior minister says ammonium nitrate likely caused at least one explosion amid reports hospitals too damaged to treat patients

 

Here's a summary of the Beirut blast:

  • Two huge explosions have rocked Lebanon’s capital city, killing at least 50 people, injuring thousands more, and sending an enormous blast wave across the city that shattered windows, knocked down doors and shook buildings.
  • The scale of the damage caused by the blast is huge, with buildings miles from the port explosion in ruin.
  • While the cause is still unconfirmed, Lebanon’s interior minister said stores of ammonium nitrate likely caused the explosion.
  • Lebanon’s prime minister, Hassan Diab, has suggested a warehouse that authorities claim was the source of the blast had been the subject of warnings going back to 2014. He said he would “reveal facts” about the warehouse soon, but does not want to pre-empt an investigation.
  • Governments worldwide have offered support, including the UK, France, the US, Canada and Israel.
  • The blast comes at a terrible time for Lebanon, which is on the brink of financial collapse.

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