Beirut Explosion Shakes the City, Kills At Least 50

Wednesday is now a declared day of mourning in Lebanon, as a powerful explosion rocked the city of Beirut, killing over 50 people and leaving at least 2,700 injured. Hospitals are apparently overwhelmed and many buildings have been destroyed as the result of the explosions. The cause of the blast has not been determined yet.  

The blast could even be heard 240km away from the epicenter, on the island of Cyprus, eastern Mediterranean, as the BBC reports.

Lebanon officials have made public statements about the recent explosion. Most of them are pointing to an accident, not a deliberate act. The internal security chief reported that the explosion happened in an area where highly explosive materials are stored. The interior minister of the country noted the same. However, Prime Minister Hassan Diab called the blast a catastrophe, emphasizing that those responsible for the blast must be held to account. Supreme Defence Council will soon have an emergency meeting by the request of President Michel Aoun.

Foreign political figures have also taken to Twitter to comment on the sad news.

 UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted: "The pictures and videos from Beirut tonight are shocking. All of my thoughts and prayers are with those caught up in this terrible incident.

"The UK is ready to provide support in any way we can, including to those British nationals affected."

By Nini Dakhundaridze

Sources: The New York Times; BBC