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
