Huge explosion in Beirut shatters windows and rocks buildings

A massive explosion has rocked central Beirut that shattered windows, knocked down doors and shook buildings several hundred feet away.

The source of the blast which appeared to occur around the Lebanese capital’s port is currently unclear. Cars were left strewn across the surrounding highway. Eyewitnesses told LBC television that at least dozens were hurt and hospitals were full of injured people.

Another driving past the port said he first saw a fire from his window and then felt an enormous explosion that lifted the highway.

Many people were feared to be trapped inside the rubble immediately surrounding the explosion.

Lebanon’s health minister told journalists a ship carrying fireworks had blown up in the port, though the size of the blast heard across the country raised suspicions it might have resulted from a rocket strike or detonation of explosives – deliberate or otherwise. He said at least dozens were wounded but did not give further details of casualties.

An enormous cloud of smoke could be seen from across the city and eyewitnesses said there were reports of a fire and several smaller explosions at the port that preceded the large blast after 6pm on Tuesday.

The office of the Daily Star newspaper about 400 metres from the port was among the buildings to sustain damage from the explosion.

Pictures from inside Beirut’s port broadcast on Lebanese TV showed buildings reduced to shells, shipping containers flung across the scene and several fires raging.

An Israeli military spokesman told the Guardian he would not comment on the blast.

More to follow …