Skip to main content

Beirut blast was caused by welder as death toll passes 100


It has been claimed that the huge explosion in Beirut, Lebanon, that killed over 100 people and injured more than 4,000, was caused by a welder at work.

 

Close to where the welder was working, there was "highly explosive sodium nitrate" confiscated from a ship by Lebanese authorities and placed in one of the warehouses located near the harbour. The ammonium nitrate - more than 2,750 tons - had been stored in the warehouse for six years.

 

Security sources in the country have claimed the welder sparked the initial fire that in turn ignited the chemicals, causing a blast that has been compared to a "nuclear bomb".

 

Lebanon blast was caused by welder as death toll passes 100

 

The blast sent seismic shockwaves through the city on Tuesday evening, August 4, destroying buildings and shattering windows.

 

Over 100 people died in the blast and more than 4,000 sustained varying degrees of injuries.

 

Lebanon blast was caused by welder as death toll passes 100

 

Many people are feared to still be trapped under the rubble, including those trapped inside their damaged homes.

 

As at this morning, smoke was still rising from the port, where a towering grain silo was shattered. Toxic gases were been reported in the aftermath along with strange orange clouds, with the US Embassy warning any Americans in Beirut to stay inside.

 

Lebanon blast was caused by welder as death toll passes 100

 

The head of Lebanon's Red Cross said: "What we are witnessing is a huge catastrophe. There are victims and casualties everywhere." 

 

Ammonium nitrate is mainly used as a fertilizer but has also been linked to terror attacks after being used in homemade bombs.

 

General Security chief Abbas Ibrahim said it had been confiscated years earlier, reportedly from a ship.

 

Lebanon blast was caused by welder as death toll passes 100

 

Lebanese President Michel Aoun has declared a state of emergency for Beirut for two weeks - and vowed the "harshest punishments" for those responsible for causing the explosion.

 

Prime Minister Hassan Diab described the disaster as a "national catastrophe" and added that "those responsible will pay the price".

 

His wife and daughter were injured in the explosion after it damaged his residence at The Government Palace.

 

More photos below.

 

Lebanon blast was caused by welder as death toll passes 100

Lebanon blast was caused by welder as death toll passes 100

Lebanon blast was caused by welder as death toll passes 100

Lebanon blast was caused by welder as death toll passes 100


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Ex-NNPC Boss, Andrew Yakubu, seeks to quash money laundering charges

A former Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Andrew Yakubu, is seeking to quash money laundering charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, as he files a “no-case” submission before Justice A.R. Mohammed of the Federal High Court, Abuja. In the no-case submission dated November 6th 2018, and filed through his counsel, Anone Usman, Yakubu aked the court to strike out the charges against him, and discharge and acquit him, arguing that “the evidence led by the prosecution’s seven witnesses did not establish a case” against him, necessitating him to defend himself. Recall that a special operation conducted by EFCC operatives on 3rd February, 2017 on a building belonging to Yakubu in Kaduna state, yielded the recovery of a staggering sum of $9,772,800 (Nine Million, Seven Hundred and Seven Two Thousand, Eight Hundred United States Dollars) and another sum of £74,000 (Seventy Four Thousa...
Post a Comment
Read more

HOME SAFETY TIPS A COMPREHENSIVE RESOURCE

In the kitchen, Keep a distance between flammable objects (papers, curtains, plastics, etc.) and fire sources (oven, stove top, portable heater, etc.) Use harmful products (cleaning solutions, lighters) with caution (follow instructions!) and keep them out of reach of children and pets. Never leave sharp objects (knives) or other such tools and utensils misplaced or unattended. Ensure electrical cords aren’t draped across other appliances or the counter or stove top. Leave space around appliances for proper ventilation. In the bathroom, Keep electrical appliances wrapped and away from water. Use non-slip strips or floor mats Always keep the room clean and as dry as possible. In the bedroom, Never smoke. As always, ensure that everything else is a safe distance away from a source of fire or heat. Opt for mattresses with open flame-resistant protection. You’re most vulnerable when you sleep. Even in bed, keep a phone, light, (and, if neces...
Post a Comment
Read more

Harry Maguire loses his spot in England squad after being found guilty of assaulting and trying to bribe police in Greece

England manager, Gareth Southgate has axed Manchester United captain, Harry Maguire from the England squad after he was found guilty of assaulting police, verbal abuse, and attempted bribery following a brawl at the Greek holiday island of Mykonos.   The England international, 27, was convicted of all charges on Tuesday and was handed a 21 month and ten-day sentence suspended for three years by a court on the island of Syros, in Greece.   Maguire's brother, Joe who plays for non-league team Ilkeston Town, was also found guilty of assault, attacking police and attempted bribery while a third man, 29-year-old Christopher Sharman, was guilty of two assault charges and another of verbal abuse.    The pair were given suspended sentences of 13 months after being found guilty.    Southgate, who previously named Maguire in his squad despite his legal woes, said in a statement this evening: 'In light of this evening's developments, I can confirm I have wit...
Post a Comment
Read more