[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The death toll from the massive explosion disaster in Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, has exceeded 100, and the number of injured has surpassed 4,000. Significant damage has been reported even in the outskirts of the city, and as search and rescue operations are still ongoing, the number of casualties is expected to rise further.
According to AFP, on the 4th (local time), the Lebanese Red Cross, which corresponds to the Red Cross of Islamic countries, stated, "More than 100 people have lost their lives and over 4,000 have been injured due to this explosion accident." They added, "Search and rescue operations are still underway, and there are still victims under the debris of buildings caused by the explosion disaster." Immediately after the explosion, shockwaves spread throughout Beirut city, damaging buildings and vehicles across the city, resulting in numerous casualties.
The exact cause of the explosion accident on that day has not yet been determined, but the Lebanese government pointed to a large amount of ammonium nitrate stored in a warehouse at the Beirut port where the explosion began as the cause of the accident. According to Lebanese authorities, 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate were stored in the warehouse. Ammonium nitrate is known as a main ingredient of fertilizer and a raw material used in the manufacture of both civilian and military explosives.
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