Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Evening Standard
Evening Standard
World

Beirut explosion LATEST: Death toll 'rises to 145' as international rescue teams flown to Lebanon to help search

The explosion in Beirut has reached 145, a security source has revealed, while officials say the number of fatalities is still likely to rise.​

The blast at the port on Tuesday evening killed at least 135 people, injured more than 5,000 and damaged up to 300,000 homes in Beirut. A French architect and a German embassy worker are among those killed, their Governments have confirmed.

Meanwhile, international rescue and aid workers continue to arrive in Lebanon's capital to help with the search for missing people. Britain is sending a Royal Navy ship to Beirut to help the city recover.

Early investigations blame negligence for the explosion and have begun focussing on a supply of 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, used in fertilisers and bombs, which was stored for six years at the port after it was seized. Public anger is mounting after an official letter circulating online showed the head of the customs department had warned repeatedly over the years that the huge stockpile stored in the port was a danger.

Follow here for the latest updates...

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.