[h] Furthermore, at least 108 Bangladeshi nationals were injured in the blasts, becoming the most affected foreign community. [172] Doors and windows were destroyed, and ceiling tiles were shaken loose by the shockwave, severing electrical wires. Videos show smoke billowing from a … [6][7] The Beirut Naval Base is a part of the port. A general view shows the damage at the site of Tuesday’s blast in Beirut’s port area. [158][168][119], Hapag-Lloyd's offices in Beirut were destroyed. The blast was even felt in Cyprus, around 240 kilometers (150 miles) away, and registered as a 3.3 magnitude earthquake. The Beirut explosion lies at the … An aerial view shows the massive damage done to Beirut’s port. [173], The government formed an investigation committee led by Prime Minister Hassan Diab, which will submit its findings to the Council of Ministers of Lebanon by 11 August. The Port of Beirut eleven days after the disaster. One employee died and two were severely injured. [125][126], The explosion overturned cars and stripped steel-framed buildings of their cladding. By Najia Houssari. The source of the blast is believed to be 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate which had been stored in a warehouse without safety measures since 2014. The silos were built in the 1960s as part of an expansion plan advanced by Palestinian banker Yousef Beidas. BEIRUT: Six months on from the deadly explosion in Beirut Port, the investigation into its causes has gone back to square one. [46] The ride-sharing app Careem offered free rides to and from hospitals and blood donation centers to anyone willing to donate blood. [215][216] On the night of 6 August, the protests against the government that had been ongoing since the previous October resumed, with dozens of protestors near the parliament building calling for the resignation of Lebanese government officials. Prime Minister Hassan Diab has also blamed the explosion on the presence of the ammonium nitrate. Contractor Knew of Explosive Material in Beirut Since at Least 2016", "Hangar 12: fireworks were stored next to ammonium nitrate in Beirut warehouse, former workers say", "Beirut port blast death toll rises to 190", "Lebanon explosion: Deadly fuel tank blast rocks Beirut", "At least 43 Syrians among people killed in Beirut blast: Al Mayadeen", "Number of Armenians killed in Beirut explosion climbs to 13", "Missing Bangladeshi worker found dead in Beirut hospital", "Filipinos killed in Beirut blast rises to 4 while 31 injured", "Three Egyptians killed in Beirut explosion: Ministry", "Egypt repatriates bodies of three nationals killed in Beirut blast – Politics – Egypt", "Two Palestinian refugees succumb to wounds sustained in Beirut explosion", "Second Belgian death confirmed in Beirut explosion", "2 Canadians among those killed in Beirut explosion: Trudeau", "They were laid off and far from home. ", "Senegal to Move 3,000 Tons of Explosive Chemical From Port", "After Beirut, ports around the world searched for dangerous chemicals. A crater created by the explosion appeared to be … Anti-government protests have already paused as Lebanon’s citizens have been unified by the event. [188] In January 2021, Interpol issued Red Notices[j] against the two Russians as well as a Portuguese man. Following the seizure of the vessel, the vessel was abandoned by Grechushkin Igor (vessel’s owner) meaning that the vessel remained stranded at the Port of Beirut, with the owner of the vessel reported to be unresponsive to calls from authorities. [221][222] On 10 August, the justice minister, Marie-Claude Najm, also resigned, followed by the resignation of the entire Lebanese cabinet. The same substance that blew up a large section of Beirut last week was used by Hezbollah numerous times before against the US and around the world. A Lebanese investigation into the cause of the blast has so far failed to prosecute those responsible, even though politicians promised in August the probe would only take five days. So … In view of the serious danger of keeping these goods in the hangar in unsuitable climatic conditions, we reaffirm our request to please request the marine agency to re-export these goods immediately to preserve the safety of the port and those working in it, or to look into agreeing to sell this amount ... On the afternoon of 4 August 2020, a fire broke out in Warehouse 12 at the Port of Beirut. [141][40][30] Within hours, after discharging all its patients, and sending some to other facilities, Saint George Hospital was forced to close. [132][138] Dozens of injured people brought to nearby hospitals could not be admitted because of the damage to the hospitals. [24] The Rhosus soon ran out of provisions, and the remaining crew were unable to disembark due to immigration restrictions. Abou Karim I became unstable, keeled over onto the adjacent Abou Karim III and shortly afterwards capsized. [117][118][119] The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported that 34 refugees were among the dead and missing, and an additional 124 refugees were injured. [4][5], The government-owned Port of Beirut serves as the main maritime entry point into Lebanon and a vital piece of infrastructure for the importation of scarce goods. He attributed it to either the accidental ignition of 2,750 metric tons of ammonium nitrate stored in a warehouse at the Port of Beirut or a planned attack by some external entity. However, economic mismanagement and lack of accountability for government officials have been a common factor in motivating protests across the country. [37], The first explosion, at about 18:07 local time (15:07 UTC), likely triggered by the stored fireworks, sent up a large cloud of smoke and a crackle of bright firework flashes, and heavily damaged the structure of the warehouse itself with a force equivalent to around 1.5-2.5 tons of TNT, the size of a mid-sized truck. [16] However, reporting by Der Spiegel has found that it was not Russian national Grechushkin who owned the Rhosus, but rather the Cypriot businessman Charalambos Manoli, who maintained a relationship with the bank used by Hezbollah in Lebanon. [201][202][203][204][205][206], Prime Minister Hassan Diab announced that 5 August, the day after the explosions, would be a national day of mourning. [35] Warehouse 12 was waterside and next to the grain silos; the warehouse stored the ammonium nitrate that had been confiscated from MV Rhosus, alongside a stash of fireworks. [7] The port included four basins, sixteen quays, twelve warehouses,[7] a large container terminal,[8] and grain silos with a total capacity of 120,000 tonnes that served as a strategic reserve of cereals for the country. A MASSIVE explosion in Lebanon’s capital city Beirut has killed at least 135 people and injured nearly 5,000 others. [145][i] The Armenian Catholicosate in Antelias sustained great damage. Despite years of conflict, including the 2006 Lebanon War,[236] both Israel and senior Hezbollah officials ruled out Israeli involvement in the explosion, despite claims and allegations spread via social media. Therefore, regardless of the result of the government-appointed investigative committee, many Lebanese citizens are expected to blame governmental mismanagement for the blast. [1] The explosion was preceded by a fire in the same warehouse, but as of February 2021[update], the exact cause of the detonation is still under investigation. At any rate, 100 individuals were killed and 4,000 injured in a huge blast that shook the Lebanese capital, Beirut, on Tuesday, Lebanon’s wellbeing priest said. 09256653. [127] Several countries expressed solidarity by lighting up landmarks and monuments in the colours of the Lebanese flag, including the City Hall of Tel Aviv,[241][m] whereas the Eiffel Tower in Paris went dark at midnight,[251] and the Arab League flew its flag at its headquarters in Cairo at half-mast. [9], The damage from the blast affected over half of Beirut, with the likely cost above $15 billion and insured losses at around $3 billion. [208] President Aoun said the government would provide support to displaced people, and the Ministry of Health would meet the expense of treatment for the wounded. Lebanon’s court of cassation on Thursday removed Judge Fadi Sawan from the case, after a request from two of the former ministers he had charged — Ali Hassan Khalil and Ghazi Zeaiter. A security source and local media said it was started by welding work carried out on a hole in the warehouse. [22] After inspection by port state control, the Rhosus was deemed unseaworthy, and was forbidden to set sail. © 2021 Intelligence Fusion. He had been live-streaming the fire at the warehouse on Facebook at the time. Around 17:55 local time (14:55 UTC), a team of nine firefighters and one paramedic, known as Platoon 5, was dispatched to fight the fire. [123][124] Lady Cochrane Sursock, philanthropist and matriarch of the Sursock family, died on 31 August from injuries sustained from the blast. (thegatewaypundit) – Hezbollah’s bomb of choice is ammonium nitrate. Beirut blast: Port officials under house arrest as negligence suspected as cause of chemical explosion. [194] A temporary hospital was established in the city by the Iranian Red Crescent Society. [29][22] Lawyers argued for the crew's repatriation on compassionate grounds, because of the danger posed by the cargo still aboard the ship, and an Urgent Matters judge in Beirut allowed them to return home. Beirut, Lebanon – A government-led investigation is under way in Lebanon to probe the cause of the massive explosion that ripped through the capital, Beirut. UPDATES: 3 ships disappeared. Protests have also focused on more specific issues, such as frequent power shortages as well as water shortages in many rural areas. At around 18:00hrs local time on the 4th August 2020, a large explosion took place at a warehouse at the Port of Beirut. World . Now an explosion in Beirut has left them even more vulnerable", "One French Death, 24 Injured After Beirut Blast", "Esplosione Beirut, Farnesina: morta una cittadina italiana", "One Australian killed, embassy damaged in Beirut blast", "1 Pakistani child died 4 in critical condition in Beirut blast", "1 American among 135 dead in massive Beirut explosion, officials say", "Εκρήξεις στη Βηρυτό: Μια Ελληνίδα πολίτης νεκρή και δύο τραυματίες", "Echtgenote van Nederlandse ambassadeur in Beiroet overleden als gevolg van explosie", "11 more Filipinos injured in Beirut blast", "Fifteen Sri Lankans injured in Beirut blast", "Beirut, fonti Farnesina: morta italiana nell'esplosione", "Ethiopians among victims in the explosion in the Lebanese capital Beirut", "Seven Jordanians Wounded in Beirut Blast – Foreign Ministry", "Beyrut'taki patlamada 6 Türk vatandaşı yaralandı", "Wife of Dutch Ambassador Seriously Injured in Beirut Blast: Ministry", "Dutch ambassador's wife seriously hurt in Beirut explosion; Dutch Royals send "heartfelt sympathy, "Greece sends aid to Beirut as injuries of Greek nationals come to light", "Lebanon blast: Five Indians suffered minor injuries, says MEA", "2 Belgian embassy employees suffer injuries in Beirut explosion", "Beirut Explosion: Kenyans in Lebanon Recount Harrowing Experience", "Beirut blast: Two Algerians slightly injured", "Beirut explosion: Missing Nigerian woman Ayobami found in hospital", "Lebanon's capital city rocked by explosion", "Ministry says one Indonesian injured in Lebanon blasts", "Kazakh Citizens Stay Safe After Beirut Blast, Embassy to Be Restored, Says Kazakh FM", "Beirut explosion: One Vietnamese citizen injured", "Moroccan Woman Among Injured in Beirut Explosion", "Beirut blast: 4 Bangladeshis killed, 21 Bangladesh Navy crew injured", "Lebanon: UN 'actively assisting' in response to huge explosions at Beirut port", "Beirut blast death toll includes dozens of refugees, emergency response ramps up", "Scarred for life: Beirut blast victims and life-altering wounds", "Live updates: Lebanese capital rocked by huge explosion", "L'architecte français Jean-Marc Bonfils est décédé lors des explosions à Beyrouth", "Jean-Marc Bonfils ... killed by the love of Beirut", "Libano: morta filantropa Yvonne Sursock Cochrane coinvolta in esplosione Beirut", "Industrial accident in Lebanon – Activations – International Disasters Charter", "Satellite Image Shows Beirut Explosion Devastation", "The Beirut explosion created a 405-foot-wide crater", "Beirut explosion leaves 43-meter deep crater: Security official", "Le cratère de Beyrouth ne fait pas 43 m de profondeur", "Lebanon eyes state of emergency after deadly Beirut blast: Live", "Lebanon's government 'to resign over blast, "Beirut explosion: dead and wounded among 'hundreds of casualties', says Lebanon Red Cross – live updates", "Food insecurity hits middle class amid Lebanon's economic crisis", "Insured losses from Beirut blast seen around $3 billion: sources", "90% of Beirut hotels damaged, state media says", "Mapping the Damage From the Beirut Explosion", "Lebanon: at least 78 killed as huge explosion rocks Beirut", "Beirut after the blast: the crunch of glass, acrid smoke and stairs slick with blood", "What We Know and Don't Know About the Beirut Explosions", "Deadly Explosion in Beirut Decimates Thousands of Buildings, Including Galleries and Museums", "Lebanese Designer Sandra Mansour on the Beirut Explosion, One Week Later", "Blast destroyed landmark 19th century palace in Beirut", "Armenian Catholicosate damaged in Beirut explosion", "Beirut blast prompts prayer from Messianic believers", "SBP sends sympathy as FIBA Asia headquarters damaged in Lebanon blast", "La embajada argentina sufrió graves daños, pero sin heridos", "Beirut explosion leaves Australian embassy 'considerably' damaged, one Australian dead", "Report: Finnish Embassy in Beirut 'destroyed' by blast", "No S. Koreans Reported Killed or Injured in Beirut Explosions", "Hungary Embassy Damaged in Beirut Blast, No Hungarian Casualties Reported", "Мощный взрыв в Бейруте: масштабные разрушения, десятки погибших и тысячи пострадавших", "Счупени са прозорци на посолството ни в Бейрут след взрив в района, няма данни за пострадали български граждани", "Beirut explosion: Romanian embassy HQ slightly damaged", "Beyrut'taki patlamalarda 2 Türk vatandaşı yaralandı", "Update: The current situation in the port of Beirut, Lebanon", "Orient Queen Sinks in Beirut, Two Crew Reported Dead", "Owner of cruise ship sunk by Lebanon blast sues 'those responsible, Beirut explosion: cruise ship owner sues "those responsible", as more protests loom, "European Navies Providing Disaster Relief To Beirut", "At Beirut's shattered port, a crater more than 15 yards deep and small signs of previous lives", "Beirut explosion 149 killed, more than 5000 injured", "Lebanese army finds more explosive chemicals outside Beirut port after huge blast", "Beirut port explosion mystery solved? Heading up both the sales and marketing divisions of Intelligence Fusion, Laura is responsible for the commercial growth of the company. By clicking subscribe you agree to receive regular communication from us. The committee includes the justice, interior and defence ministers, and the head of the top four security agencies: the Army, General Security, Internal Security Forces, and State Security. More than six months since the largest non-nuclear blast in history, Lebanese still have no answers… PM Hassan Diab announces resignation of his government, says ‘the ‘system of corruption is bigger than the state’. The Beirut explosion was likely caused by fireworks and ammonium nitrate, experts and video footage find. Some didn't like what they found. Following a significant explosion at the Port of Beirut, injuring thousands, we take a closer look at the incident and what we know so far about the cause of the blast, the impact it will have and widespread narratives. [191] Lebanese President Michel Aoun said the government would make up to 100 billion pounds (US$66 million) in aid available to support recovery operations. [35][39][40], The second explosion, 33 to 35 seconds later, was much more substantial[41][42][43][44][40] and was felt in northern Israel and in Cyprus, 240 kilometers (150 miles) away. A secondary explosion was reported shortly after the initial blast. By Najia Houssari. February 18, 2021 By Ellen Francis BEIRUT (Reuters) – A Lebanese court on Thursday removed the judge leading the investigation into the Beirut port explosion, a move likely to further delay a probe that has faced fierce political pushback. [28] The ship had accrued port fees and been fined for refusing cargo. Wednesday August 5, 2020, 11:04 PM. Vessels at the port were also severely damaged, with a cruise liner (named The Orient Queen) sinking as a result of damage. [120] At least 150 people became permanently disabled as a result of the explosion. Videos online have claimed to show a projectile heading for the docks moments before, but closer inspection shows that the projectile is a bird flying in the foreground. Here’s what we know so far. But now more difficult questions arise. [139], Saint George Hospital, one of the city's largest medical facilities, was less than 1 kilometer (5⁄8 mile) from the explosion, and was so badly damaged that staff were forced to treat patients in the street. At around 18:00hrs local time on the 4th August 2020, a large explosion took place at a warehouse at the Port of Beirut. It is not clear how capable the Lebanese Government is of carrying out extensive repairs and structural examinations. [190], The Lebanese Red Cross said every available ambulance from North Lebanon, Bekaa, and South Lebanon was being dispatched to Beirut to help patients. Six months on from the deadly explosion in Beirut Port, the investigation into its causes has gone back to square one. A vessel affiliated with the UNFIL mission was also damaged. Endemic corruption caused Beirut blast, says Diab: Live updates. [133][223][224] Shortly after the resignation of the cabinet, Lebanese Prime Minister Hassan Diab stepped down from office. All of it."[40]. BEIRUT (Reuters) – A Lebanese court on Thursday removed the judge leading the investigation into the Beirut port explosion, a move likely to further delay a probe that has faced fierce political pushback. Max Taylor. The immediate damage was extensive, with buildings across the city reporting various degrees of destruction, with buildings in the immediate vicinity of the port being totally destroyed. The captain, Boris Prokoshev, wrote that Grechushkin had told him he had gone bankrupt, but noted that he did not believe Grechushkin. [254] Large quantities of the chemical compound were removed from storage in Egypt, India, Romania, and Senegal. Update 8/5/20: We've updated this story to include the cause of the blast, according to officials. It has been six months since a huge explosion hit parts of Lebanon's capital, wreaking terrible devastation. Security sources reportedly claimed a welder had sparked the initial fire that in turn ignited the chemicals - causing a blast the fifth the size of Hiroshima. The warehouse where the fire began is reported to have contained approximately 2,700 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, a fertilizer often used in the creation of improvised explosive devices. [142] The hospital's director of intensive care, Dr. Joseph Haddad, was quoted as saying: "There is no St. George Hospital any more. [10][11][12][13][14] Rhosus was owned by a company based in Panama but was regarded by the captain as under the de facto ownership of Russian businessman Igor Grechushkin. ce", "Iraq clears ports of 'hazardous materials' following Beirut blast", "To avoid Beirut's scenario, Iraq evacuates hazardous material from Umm Qasr port", Photos: Explosion Leaves Beirut in Shatters, Explosion in Beirut: Photos From a City Still Reeling From the Blast, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2020_Beirut_explosion&oldid=1007702970, Articles with dead external links from October 2020, Infobox mapframe without OSM relation ID on Wikidata, Articles containing potentially dated statements from February 2021, All articles containing potentially dated statements, Wikipedia articles in need of updating from January 2021, All Wikipedia articles in need of updating, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 19 February 2021, at 14:05. He broke down in tears on television, calling the event "a national catastrophe". The Sursock Museum was severely damaged, as were many of its artworks, and some ceramics were completely destroyed. Use promocode DONATEBLOOD for a free ride to and from the hospital or the blood donations center", "Beirut blast: Lebanese volunteers band together to clean up, help residents", "Iran's Red Crescent Erects Field Hospital in Lebanon", "Armenia to send humanitarian aid to Lebanon – PM's spokesperson", "Australia sends $2 million in aid to Lebanon after Beirut blast", "Bangladesh Air Force plane reaches Beirut with food and medical relief", "Azərbaycan Livana maliyyə yardımı göstərəcək", "Trudeau government announces additional humanitarian aid to Lebanon", "China offers emergency humanitarian assistance to Lebanon", "Denmark gives aid to Lebanon following explosion", "Elysee: France Sends Medical Team, Equipment to Assist Lebanon", "Iranian Embassy: We Stand by Lebanon, Aid Plane to Arrive Today", "The Latest: Lebanese government declares two-week emergency", "Esplosione a Beirut, l'Italia invia due aerei con aiuti umanitari", "Beirut blast: Top Pakistani diplomat speaks with Lebanese counterpart", "The two Romanian aircraft with donations arrived in Beirut", "The Latest: Russia sends doctors, equipment to Lebanon", "First Russian flight leaves for Beirut with rescuers, doctors and hospital aboard", "Beirut explosion: Saudi Arabia opens air bridge to Lebanon, first two aid planes sent", "Syria sends ambulances to rescue people injured in Beirut", "UAE sends emergency medical aid to Lebanon", "US aid begins flowing to Lebanon in wake of deadly explosion", "Czech Republic to send a search and rescue team to Beirut following Tuesday's explosion", "Beirut explosion live updates: Half of city affected by damage", "Greece Sends Rescue Team, Equipment to Beirut After Blast", "Nederland stuurt reddingsteam van 67 specialisten naar Beiroet", "Dutch search and rescue team en route to Lebanon", "Russian teams search rubble from Beirut explosion", "Lebanon faces humanitarian emergency after blast", "Lebanon aid summit raises $300m to be given 'directly' to people", "FBI team arrives this weekend to take part in Beirut probe", "They return to homes damaged in Beirut's blast to discover someone has already cleaned them", "Der "Beirut Blast" und "Blue Helmet – Blue Shield, "Unesco, Icom and Louvre rally to help Beirut as museums tackle extensive explosion damage", "UN peacekeepers in partnership with the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and Blue Shield International in Lebanon", "UNIFIL concludes heritage protection mission in Beirut", "UNESCO: Beirut blast damaged 160 schools; 85,000 students unable to attend classes", "Lebanon's Prime Minister Hassan Diab declares national day of mourning Wednesday, after Beirut blast", "Lebanon Declares 2-Week State of Emergency After Deadly Blast", "Massive explosion rocks Beirut, causing injuries and widespread damage", "Beirut blast: Lebanon's young helping the country's most desperate", "Beirut blasts: Lebanese MP Marwan Hamadeh resigns, says 'government ineffective, "Police fire tear gas to break up Beirut protest: Live updates", "Second day of protests as anger over Beirut explosion grows: Live", "Lebanese government on verge of collapse after 3 ministers, 8 MPs resign", "Lebanon's ambassador to Jordan resigns on live TV, cites rampant corruption", "LIVE: France's Macron says Lebanon aid won't go to the 'corrupt, "Anti-government protests break out in Beirut", "Clashes Erupt in Beirut at Blast Protest as Lebanon's Anger Boils Over", "Lebanon protesters storm ministries as violent protests grip Beirut", "Lebanon information minister quits in first cabinet resignation", "Lebanese cabinet resigns amid political fallout from Beirut explosion", "Beirut blast: Lebanese government resigns over explosion", "Lebanese PM steps down in wake of Beirut explosion, protests", "Lebanon's president accepts gov't resignation after Beirut blast", "Lebanon's Prime Minister-Designate Resigns Amid Stalemate", "UNIFIL statement on the explosion in Beirut", "Storm in a teacup: Lebanon's president and 1,675 kilos of finest Ceylon brew", "Beirut explosion: Trouble brewing for Lebanon's president after Sri Lankan tea gift", "Iraq Is Sending More Than 13,000 Tons Of Wheat To Lebanon", "7,000 Tons Of Iraqi Donated Flour Were Just Found Poorly Stored & Damaged In Beirut Stadium", "Israel not behind Beirut blast, sources on both sides say; at least 10 killed", "Israel uses UN channels to offer aid to Lebanon after deadly Beirut blast", "Why Israel Is Probably Not Responsible For The Beirut Explosion", "Israeli involvement in massive Beirut port blast ruled out by both sides", "US accuses Hezbollah of stockpiling weapons and ammonium nitrate across Europe", "Tel Aviv Shows Solidarity With Lebanon, Drawing Right-wing Ire", "Having lived in Lebanon, I am shocked at this explosion tragedy in a nation I came to love", "Beirut explosion: Burj Khalifa and Giza Pyramids light up in solidarity with the victims", "تعبيراً عن تضامنها.. علم لبنان يضيء معالم السعودية والإمارات", "Kuwait sends 36 tonnes of medical aid to Beirut after horrific explosion", "L.A. City Hall Lit Up With Lebanese Flag to Show Support Over Beirut Blast", The Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles, "In a show of solidarity, Palestine Broadcasting Corporation building in Ramallah lit with the Lebanese flag", "Sydney Opera House lights up with Lebanese cedar in solidarity with Beirut", "Lebanon's flag projected on Azadi Tower as sign of solidarity", "Parliament, City Hall Buildings in Yerevan Lit Up in Solidarity with Lebanon", "Eiffel Tower in Paris goes dark in show of solidarity with Beirut after massive explosion", "الجامعة العربية تنكس علمها حدادا على ضحايا انفجار بيروت", "Beirut explosion: Where else is ammonium nitrate being stored? Advertisement. What we know about the Beirut blast causes and death toll A massive explosion rocked the Lebanese capital of Beirut on Tuesday evening, leaving at least 135 dead and thousands injured. What caused the Beirut explosion? A cargo of 2,750 tonnes of the substance (equivalent to around 1.1 kilotons of TNT) had been stored in a warehouse without proper safety measures for the previous six years, after having been confiscated by the Lebanese authorities from the abandoned ship MV Rhosus. (Photo: Reuters/Mohamed Azakir) The catastrophic explosion at Beirut port on Tuesday evening (August 4) that has so far killed at least 100 people and injured around 4,000, with an unknown number feared trapped under rubble was, according to the government of Lebanon, caused by … Lebanon’s … [192][193] Volunteers removed debris while local business owners offered to repair damaged buildings for free in the absence of a state-sponsored cleanup operation. [196] On 9 August, a multinational summit hosted by France raised 253 million euros in aid. [17] On 21 November 2013, the ship made port in Beirut. [66][e] The General Director of General Security, Major General Abbas Ibrahim, said the ammonium nitrate confiscated from Rhosus had exploded. Lebanon’s court of cassation on Thursday removed Judge Fadi Sawan from the case, after a request from two of the former ministers he had charged — Ali Hassan Khalil and Ghazi Zeaiter. Explosives expert Chris Hunter tells Sky News … BREAKING: Beirut Explosion Cause Revealed – Israel Admits It! [174] The investigation is to examine whether the explosion was an accident or due to negligence, and if it was caused by a bomb or another external interference. Reports vary on the number of dead, estimated to be between 178 and 220 at the time of going to press. VAT no. [132] However, part of the silos' sturdy structure survived, shielding a large area of western Beirut from greater destruction. [212], On 9 August, the information minister of Lebanon, Manal Abdel Samad and then environment minister, Damianos Kattar resigned, the first government resignations since the explosion. Anti-government protests in particular have attracted hostile reactions from members of armed militia groups based in the country, often pro-government, who have at times clashed with protesters. Starting with the epicentre, we follow how the 4 August blast ripped through the city, bringing life to a halt That blast wave levelled buildings near the … [143] The atelier for the fashion house Sandra Mansour was heavily damaged by the explosion. In addition to those countries which provided aid, others offered to do so. [133] The Lebanese ambassador to Jordan Tracy Chamoun also resigned. Les explosions au port de Beyrouth de 2020 sont la succession de deux explosions dans le port de Beyrouth, le 4 août 2020 aux alentours de 18 h au Liban.. La seconde explosion de 2 750 tonnes de nitrate d'ammonium stockés dans le hangar numéro 12 de la zone portuaire provoque des dégâts humains et matériels considérables à travers la ville et parmi les navires mouillant … PM Hassan Diab announces resignation of his government, says ‘the ‘system of corruption is bigger than the state’. As a result, the vessel’s high explosive cargo has been stored at the Port of Beirut since the seizure. [18][12][13] Some sources said it was forced to port due to mechanical issues and possibly engine problems,[19][18] while other sources claimed the owner did not have sufficient funds to pay tolls for the Suez Canal and attempted to take on a shipment of heavy machinery in Beirut. [148] Embassies in and around Beirut reported varying degrees of damage to their buildings; the embassies of Argentina,[149] Australia,[150] Finland,[151] Cyprus,[132] and the Netherlands,[103] which were close to the blast, sustained heavy damage, while minor damage was reported from the South Korean,[152] Hungarian,[153] Kazakh,[154] Russian,[154] Bulgarian,[155] Romanian,[156] and Turkish[157] embassies.