A large blast in the Lebanese capital, Beirut, has left over 70 people dead and more than 2,500 injured in an explosion that has left the whole nation in shock.
It is not yet clear what caused the explosion but Videos on social media show smoke billowing from a fire before the blast, which is followed by a mushroom cloud.
Hospitals are said to be overwhelmed and many buildings have been destroyed. Lebanon's internal security chief said the blast happened in an area housing highly explosive materials.
A BBC journalist at the scene reported dead bodies and severe damage, enough to put the port of Beirut out of action.
The explosion comes at a sensitive time for Lebanon, with an economic crisis reigniting old divisions. Tensions are also high ahead of Friday's verdict in a trial over the killing of ex-Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in 2005.
Watch the Video of the Explosion Below:
