Explosion in Beirut, Lebanon: State of Emergency Declared

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4th of August, 2020. Beirut, Lebanon. Middle East

Last updated: August 8, 2020 at 5:00 am

Latest News: Authorities have arrested 18 persons who worked at the Port of Beirut as part of ongoing investigations into the explosion.

The Explosion in Beirut, Lebanon: When and Where

A massive explosion tore through Beirut, the capital city of Lebanon, in the Middle East, on the morning of Tuesday, 4th of August, 2020 at around 11 AM. The explosion happened in a warehouse near the Beirut Port Silos building at the Port of Beirut, Lebanon.

The Explosion in Beirut, Lebanon: Casualties

Reports are that at least 157 persons have been killed and about 6,000 more injured although the exact number of casualties is not clear at this moment. Further, an additional 80 persons are still missing.

Alexandra Najjar died Friday, 7th of August, from her wounds caused by the explosion at the port of Beirut. She was only 3-year old. Rest in peace, little angel 💔🥺

This young mother was reportedly killed in the Lebanon explosion. Her husband and children are said to have survived. RIP

A young Lebanonese woman who was killed in the explosion.

The Explosion in Beirut: Further Damages

Over 300,000 residents of Beirut, Lebanon have been displaced after their homes were either destroyed or damaged by the explosion which took place on the 4th of August, 2020.

The Explosion in Beirut, Lebanon: What Caused It

It is not clear at this point in time what caused the explosion, but some say it happened at a fireworks factory. Other sources say it might have happened at an arms store for the terrorist group Hezbollah.

On Friday, August 7th, authorities arrested the former Beirut Port Director and the former Director General of Customs as part of the ongoing investigations into the explosion. Further, sixteen Port of Beirut Employees have been detained.

Meanwhile, Israeli Officials have issued a statement that Israel has nothing to do with the explosion in Beirut, Lebanon this morning. Further, no one appears to be pointing a finger at Israel at this moment, and the explosion is being treated as an accident.

The Explosion in Beirut, Lebanon: How You Can Help

Several fundraisers have been set up to help the people affected by the tragedy in Beirut, Lebanon. We will post links to them as soon as they become available. Please check this page back later. In the meantime, you can check with the Red Cross in your area to find out if there is any way you can donate money or volunteer your services.

The Explosion in Beirut, Lebanon: Foreign Aid Pours In

A number of countries have responded to the crisis brought on by the explosion in Lebanon and have sent aid such as medical supplies and rescue workers. Among these countries are Egypt and Israel.

On Wednesday, 5th of August, it was reported that the Tunisia sent medical and food aid and evacuated over 100 wounded for treatment in Tunisia.

The Explosion in Beirut, Lebanon: Tensions With Israel

Israel has always been at war with Lebanon which is considered one of the Jewish State’s many enemies in the Middle East. Lebanon is known for harboring the terrorist group Hezbollah which has often threatened Israel. An alleged Israeli strike killed a Hezbollah operative in Syria last month – July 2020. However, it is unlikely that Israel would launch an unprovoked attack such as this in civilian territory.

The Explosion in Beirut, Lebanon: Conspiracy Theories

One resident of Lebanon have dug up a video of a drone flying allegedly above the scene of the accident earlier that day. The drone appears to have dropped something – sparking theories that the explosion was the result of an outside attack.