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The Beirut Blast

Short answer: On August 4, 2020, a large amount of ammonium nitrate stored at the Port of Beirut, Lebanon, exploded. About 2,750 tons had been kept in a port warehouse for years.

Reports say the blast was felt in Cyprus, more than 150 miles (240 km) away. More than 200 people were killed, thousands were injured, and about 300,000 people lost their homes. Buildings across the city were damaged and windows shattered. The footage is phone video of the blast from several places in the city.

VideoWrite-up1 sources
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What should you know about The Beirut Blast?

Quick facts. Each one stands alone and has a stable ID you can cite.

  1. The explosion happened on August 4, 2020.

    DD-266-F01 · Write-up · Exhibit A (Date)

  2. About 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate exploded.

    DD-266-F02 · Write-up · Exhibit B (Cause)

Video transcript: The Beirut Blast: On August 4, 2020, 2,750 Tons of Ammonium Nitrate Exploded in Beirut's Port

The Beirut explosion on August 4th, 2020 was a catastrophic event that devastated the Lebanese capital. A massive explosion occurred in the port area resulting from the ignition of 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate stored unsafely in a warehouse. The blast was so powerful it was felt over 150 miles away and created a mushroom cloud similar to a small nuclear explosion. The explosion resulted in over 200 fatalities, injured thousands and left approximately 300,000 people homeless. Buildings were destroyed, windows shattered, and the city's infrastructure was severely damaged. NOW YOU KNOW!

Burned-in captions, read frame by frame (see transcript.md) · 31.5s Reel ·

Video coming soonThe Beirut Blast · Instagram Reel
The Beirut Blast: On August 4, 2020, 2,750 Tons of Ammonium Nitrate Exploded in Beirut's Port Instagram Reel · · 31.5s

The write-up

On August 4, 2020, 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate exploded in Beirut's port. More than 200 people died and about 300,000 were left homeless.

  1. Exhibit A

    Date

    The explosion happened on August 4, 2020.

  2. Exhibit B

    Cause

    About 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate exploded.

  3. Exhibit C

    Felt far

    It was felt in Cyprus.

  4. Exhibit D

    Toll

    More than 200 people died.

  5. Exhibit E

    Homeless

    About 300,000 people lost their homes.

Questions people ask about The Beirut Blast

When did the Beirut port explosion happen?

In the afternoon local time.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (Date) · Wikipedia: 2020 Beirut explosion

What exploded?

About 2,750 tons.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (Cause) · Wikipedia: 2020 Beirut explosion

Where was it stored?

For years.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (Felt far) · Wikipedia: 2020 Beirut explosion

About how many people died?

Thousands were injured.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (Toll) · Wikipedia: 2020 Beirut explosion

How many lost their homes?

Across the city.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (Homeless) · Wikipedia: 2020 Beirut explosion

Test Your Knowledge

All quizzes →

5 questions, all from this case file. Answers are revealed instantly.

  1. When did the Beirut port explosion happen?

    1. August 4, 2020
    2. July 4, 2019
    3. March 1, 2021
    4. May 9, 2018
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. August 4, 2020 In the afternoon local time. Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (Date) · Wikipedia: 2020 Beirut explosion

  2. What exploded?

    1. Ammonium nitrate
    2. Gasoline
    3. Fireworks only
    4. Natural gas
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. Ammonium nitrate About 2,750 tons. Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (Cause) · Wikipedia: 2020 Beirut explosion

  3. Where was it stored?

    1. A port warehouse
    2. A ship at sea
    3. A mine
    4. An airport
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. A port warehouse For years. Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (Felt far) · Wikipedia: 2020 Beirut explosion

  4. About how many people died?

    1. More than 200
    2. About 20
    3. About 2,000
    4. None
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. More than 200 Thousands were injured. Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (Toll) · Wikipedia: 2020 Beirut explosion

  5. How many lost their homes?

    1. About 300,000
    2. About 3,000
    3. About 3 million
    4. None
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. About 300,000 Across the city. Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (Homeless) · Wikipedia: 2020 Beirut explosion

Cite this case file

Easterling, Marcus. "The Beirut Blast." The Detail Department (DetailEnjoyer), case file DD-266, last updated Jul 7, 2024. https://detailenjoyer.com/case/the-beirut-blast/

Permalink: https://detailenjoyer.com/case/the-beirut-blast/ · Last updated

Markdown version

Cite a single fact by its ID, for example DD-266-F01 → https://detailenjoyer.com/case/the-beirut-blast/#DD-266-F01