There has been extensive damage following a huge explosion in Beirut – BBC News

A major blast has hit the Lebanese capital Beirut, causing extensive damage and injuring many people, authorities say. It is not yet clear what caused the explosion in the city port. The video posted online showed a large cloud of mushrooms and destroyed buildings. Hospitals say they are overcrowded. It is a time of economic collapse that dominates old tensions. Tensions are also ahead of the verdict in the 2005 trial of the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. A UN court has handed down its verdict in four trials against the car bombing of Hariri on Friday. Subscribe HERE

Lebanese Health Minister Haman Hasan has spoken out about numerous injuries and serious damage. Reuters news agency quoted sources as saying that 10 bodies had been dumped. The cause of the explosion is not yet known, but some reports suggest it may have been an accident. The Lebanese National News Agency denounced the fires against what it called an explosives depot in the port. .

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