TheJournal.ie uses cookies. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Click here to find out more »
Dublin: 11 °C Thursday 20 June, 2013

Two killed as large explosion rattles Beirut

Local media are reporting that at least two people have been killed and 15 injured in the explosion.

Lebanese firefighters extinguish burning cars at the scene of an explosion in the mostly Christian neighborhood of Achrafiyeh, Beirut.
Lebanese firefighters extinguish burning cars at the scene of an explosion in the mostly Christian neighborhood of Achrafiyeh, Beirut.
Image: Hussein Malla/AP/Press Association Images

A LOUD EXPLOSION has been heard in Lebanon’s capital with black smoke rising from the eastern part of Beirut.

The circumstance of the blast were not immediately clear but Lebanon has seen a rise in clashes and tensions in recent months stemming from the civil war in neighbouring Syria between Sunni insurgents and President Bashar al-Assad.

Reuters reported that ambulances rushed to the scene in the Ashafriyeh district, a mostly Christian area but police did not confirm casualties.

However local media have reported two fatalities and 15 people wounded in the explosion which they claim was a car bomb.

Lebanese TV channel MTV reported that the explosion took place about 200 meters from a Kataeb headquarters in the area and at least seven cars were set ablaze as a result of the blast.

beirut

Image from Lebanese news channel MTV of casualty of the blast.

- Additional reporting by Associated Press

Read:Irish troops prepare for Lebanon mission>

  • Share on Facebook
  • Email this article
  •  

Read next:

Comments (11 Comments)

Add New Comment