"Both Israel AND Hezbollah deny devastating Lebanon ..." Topic

…blasts were a rocket attack

"The Israeli Defense Force has denied responsibility for two massive explosions in Beirut that killed at least 10 people on Tuesday and injured hundreds more. Hezbollah has also denied the blasts were the result of a rocket attack.

The huge explosions took place shortly after 6pm local time in a port area of Beirut where highly explosive materials are stored, according to Lebanon's internal security chief. Local media have reported the explosion took place at a fireworks depot near the port, while Lebanese Health Minister Hamad Hassan initially said a ship carrying fireworks exploded in the port…"

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Amicalement
Armand

Somebody should have told them that the Acme Dynamite Kit doesn't work on roadrunners.

No way that was fireworks – Iranian missiles probably – GOOD JOB MOSSAD!!!

Major General in Lebanese security service gave statement that "confiscated high explosives" were stored there.

At first, I couldn't believe fireworks, but the cloud was astoundingly red.

The explosion was so powerful that the shock front was more visible than in super-slow-motion of small explosions.

Apparently it was amonium nitrate (used in both explosives and fertilizer).

Not the first time it has gone up with devastating results – eg Texas City Disaster in 1947

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Yea, storing weapons caches and/or components in built-up areas to protect them from attack is not a good plan, at least for the local residents.

My first job was for a Nitrogen industry. Ammonium nitrate is a popular fertilizer, it is not that dangerous on its own, but certain conditions can help forming nitrite salts which are highly explosive. Naturally, if they really had open fire welding nearby, it is one of the most stupid things you can do. I recall other similar cases – we were taught in the institute about Oppau disaster in Weimar Germany (5 kT equivalent explosion) and there was another explosion in France in Toulouse, in 2001, similar to Lebanon case in size.
Also, West Fertilizer in Texas. Last two cases were at production sites, so I guess people still get careless, even knowing they're making high explosive and dangerous substance.

I heard last night that there were 2,000 metric tons of the stuff being stored there, for about six years.

I also read that the Hezbos are known to store their rockets from Iran in the same area of the city, so I guess it could be either, or both.

Jeebus!

The footage of the explosion is insane!

The little freighter at the bottom of the red circle is now ON the quay just out of frame on the 2nd picture.

Apparently the South Korean embassy 7km away reported damage to windows!