The Beirut blast. What caused it?

This Tuesday (4th August), a massive explosion in the evening hours rocked the Lebanese capital of Beirut. The explosion occurred in the city's port area, killing at least 135 people and wounding about 5000.

The Facts.

The blast is said to have taken place at 6:07 pm local time near the Beirut port and central district. A massive smoke cloud accompanied by a thundering noise, shook the people of Beirut during the generally peaceful evening hours. The powerful gust created due to the blast is said to have pierced through cars, walls, and even entire houses. The explosion set off an earthquake of 3.3 on the Richter scale and its effects were even felt in Cyprus--240km away. Along with the disastrous loss of lives, the blast has also damaged the city economically with the Governor of Beirut, Marwan Abboud, saying that the mishap has resulted in US$ 90 billion worth of loss.

The (possible) Cause.

According to Lebanese PM Hassan Diab, 2,750 metric tones of volatile ammonium nitrate, which was stored 'carelessly' in a hanger just a few kilometers away from the city's most busy districts, is to blame for the blast. The authorities say that the ammonium nitrate was brought to Beirut in a Russian ship, which was later abandoned by its crew. The cargo of the ship was then confiscated and stored in a nearby hanger.

Scientific experts say that although ammonium nitrate in its pure solid form is very stable and is used in many pesticides, it can become easily detonable when mixed with contaminants-- even in small quantities. Therefore, there are strict government rules on how to store the chemical properly, which were clearly not followed properly by the Beirut port authority. The cause of this accident, if true, reveals to us just how irresponsible government authorities can be even in following basic protocol.

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