Update: At least 50 killed and 2,500 injured after massive explosion in Lebanon's capital Beirut (Photos)

At least 50 people have been killed and over 2500 after a massive explosion erupted in Beirut port area, damaging buildings and vehicles in Lebanon

The explosion happened at around 6pm local time at the city's port, where warehouses are believed to contain explosive materials. 

 

Dramatic footage posted on social media shows smoke billowing from a building in the port area before an enormous fireball explodes into the sky, sending a vast shockwave across the city that was heard and felt as far away as Cyprus - more than 200km (180 miles) away.

The afternoon explosion destroyed several vehicles and buildings including the house of former PM Saad Hariri, who has been confirmed safe by his party. 

 

Beirut's Hotel Dieu Hospital is said to have admitted more than 500 wounded patients and no longer receiving more, while Lebanon's Red Cross confirmed many others were still trapped in their homes.

In an interview with several television channels, Lebanon Health Minister said "It is a disaster in every sense of word" 

Prime Minister Hasan Diab has declared Wednesday, August 5, a day of mourning, and President Michel Aoun called for 'urgent' defence council talks.  

 

Israel has denied any involvement amid escalating tensions with the militant group Hezbollah along the country's southern bor    

SEE MORE PHOTOS