BREAKING: The head of Beirut's port has told local TV that they knew the materials were dangerous 'but not to this extent' - and that no explosives were stored near the substances that exploded. Latest from Lebanon:
Blast was caused by more than 2,700 tonnes of ammonium nitrateLebanon PM says those responsible will pay the priceBlast caused shockwave across Beirut that was heard as far away as CyprusLebanon's main grain silo at the port where the explosion took place was destroyed in the blast.
A man is seen removing broken glass scattered on the carpet of a mosque that was damaged in Tuesday's blast.French president Emmanuel Macron is set to visit Lebanon on Thursday and will meet with Lebanese political figures, the French news channel BFM TV has reported.Two Syrian crew members of a ship berthed close to the site of the explosion were seriously injured in the blast, the vessel's operations director said.
The military's inter-service Public Relations Office says one of the injured is in critical condition and had been admitted to the American University of Beirut Medical Centre. She said:"I just felt this enormous explosion - I thought it was somewhere on campus because it felt a lot closer than the three miles away."I couldn't really move, I was rooted to the spot.
She said:"Today it is quiet. All my friends are OK, some friends of friends were injured by glass. We were warned about possible toxic fumes but the university air monitors show no problems, but really all we can do is stay in. As soon as there are official ways to help, we'll do all we can. The blood banks are all calling for urgent donations."
Speaking to the BBC's Good Morning Scotland radio programme ahead of a visit to Livingston, he said:"It is a terrible tragedy that's unfolded in Lebanon and of course our thoughts are very much of those who have been injured and of course with the families of those who have lost their lives. "I hope very, very shortly the UK government will be able to set out precisely what we will be doing in providing support for them."A County Durham grandmother was left with blood pouring from her head after being caught up in the blast, ChronicleLive reports.The 65-year-old has been pictured pressing a tissue to the top of her head as she appears to have a cut on her nose.
"This is very specific behaviour of fireworks, the visuals, the sounds and the transformation from a slow burn to a massive explosion." "This is a disaster for Lebanon. We don't know how we are going to get out of it. We don't know. We could barely survive and now we have this disaster. We have to stay strong. We have to hold ourselves together. We have to be brave. This happened to a people."He added:"I appeal to the Lebanese people to hold it together. We are strong and we will stay strong.
Molana-Allen suffered a large foot wound but was able to wait for treatment until it became available in the early hours of the morning.Lizzie Porter, a witness in Beirut, said she heard an"enormous sound like thunder" and was"blasted backwards" by the explosion.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Beirut explosion: dead and wounded among 'hundreds of casualties', says Lebanon Red Cross – live updatesBeirut explosion: 'hundreds of casualties' dead and wounded in Lebanon, says Red Cross – live updates
Read more »
Massive explosion rocks Beirut destroying buildingsDramatic footage on social media shows people screaming as an enormous blast rocks the waterside area of Lebanon's capital city.
Read more »
Massive explosion creates huge shockwave and cloud of smoke in BeirutOne woman stated that all the buildings in her block had been 'destroyed', leaving 'everyone covered in glass and blood'.
Read more »
Massive blast rips through Beirut with huge mushroom clouds above cityBEIRUT has been rocked by a mammoth explosion with thick smoke rising from the Lebanese capital, say witnesses and local media. Buildings near the port have reportedly been damaged in the blast. Th…
Read more »