A massive blast in the port of Beirut took place on this day in 2020 — an explosion so powerful that it physically shook the whole country of Lebanon.
Get On This Day In History delivered straight to your inbox ✉️ each day! Sign up here.
What were the causes of the explosions in Beirut?
The primary cause of the explosions was the improper storage of approximately 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate at the port of Beirut. The ammonium nitrate had been confiscated from a ship several years prior and was stored without proper safety measures, leading to its accidental ignition and subsequent devastating blast.
What was the impact of the blast?
The explosions caused widespread devastation and destruction in Beirut. The blast resulted in a large number of casualties, with over 200 people killed and thousands injured. It caused extensive damage to buildings, infrastructure, and the surrounding areas, leaving many people homeless and displacing communities.
What did the explosion in Beirut reveal about the Lebanese government?
The explosions exposed significant failures in governance and raised concerns about the handling of hazardous materials, mismanagement of resources, and disregard for public safety. Many people accused the government of negligence and corruption, pointing to longstanding issues of mismanagement and the lack of transparency.