A reported
gas tank explosion has rocked the city of Beirut, Lebanon, with two confirmed
dead and several injured.
Military and emergency services arrived at the Tawik Jdide area of Beirut, Lebanon, following reports of an explosion on Friday evening, October 9.
The
Secretary-General of the Lebanese Red Cross, George Kittana, confirmed two
people had died in the explosion, with a number wounded.
In a call
with the National News Agency, Mr Kittana said: "Two bodies and a number
of wounded were transferred to Al-Maqasid Hospital as a result of the explosion
of the diesel tank that caught fire this evening."
He said the
injured have been transferred to Al-Maqasid Hospital and authorities are still
aiding recovery efforts alongside the Lebanese Red Cross.
Eye-witnesses
have said volunteers are at present searching through rubble and debris in case
anyone is trapped in their house or place of work, Daily Beirut reports.
A Jaras Scoop
FM reporter said the Civil Defence has evacuated a large number of residents
from neighbouring buildings after the structure showed cracks.
He said:
"Wounded by the Beirut explosion, the civil defence evacuates the
residents from the neighbouring buildings, after cracking."
Chilling
footage posted to Twitter shows firefighters tackling a large blaze as people
scream and shout behind them.
Images also
show brave locals aiding firefighters to put out flames on the street as people
look on at a blaze.
Pictures of
smoke rising over the city have also emerged alongside reports of
"shockwaves" and rubble and glass strewn on the street.
Other snaps
show debris flung in different directions, with a large group of people fleeing
from the scene to safety.
Residents in
the Tarik Jdide area have reported hearing loud screams followed by an
explosion and buildings shaking.
Below is a
video from the scene.
A video clip from the explosion site in Beirut. Many are trapped in burning houses. Emergency services are busy trying to rescue as many as possible. Pray for them! pic.twitter.com/GrDIVWli4v
— Amir Tsarfati (@BeholdIsrael) October 9, 2020
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