The world has turned its attention to Beirut, the capital of Lebanon after footage surfaced on social media showing a massive explosion that was so powerful, it took down a multi-storey building.
Watch: Buiding goes down in flames
As reported by the Daily Mail, the massive explosion wreaked large-scale devastation and completely totalled the home of former Prime Minister Saad Hariri.
Watch the massive explosion that held a 12km shockwave below.
Beirut explosion: What caused it?
At this time, it is not clear what the cause of the explosion is. This, according to reports, is the subject of an intensive investigation.
According to a recently published Reuters report, it’s believed the explosion occurred at a warehouse facility that stores fireworks and explosives.
This claim is in direct conflict with allegations that the blast on the Beirut building was caused by an attack on a weapons facility, supposedly led by infamous Israeli militant group Hezbollah.
What we know about injuries and death toll
The incident took place recently. Therefore, at this time, it is not known how many people were injured or killed.
However, sources close to the situation claim that at least 10 people have been killed.
Beirut explosion: Is this a terrorist attack?
At the centre of this suspicious explosion is the motive. Why would anyone, if indeed this was not an accident, want to take down the home of Beirut’s former PM?
Interestingly, the incident occurs only days before a United Tribunal is set to announce a ruling on the assassination of Rafik Hariri, the father of Saad, his predecessor.
At the time of publishing this article, it was total pandemonium in Beirut. Videos of emergency services and police rushing to aid those trapped beneath heaps of rubble could be seen on social media.