Dingo
Member
Beirut has been rocked by a massive explosion in the city's port. Rescue efforts are ongoing, but the interim reports state that the death toll is at least 100, with thousands wounded.
While initial reports focused on fireworks present at the area, Lebanese authorities have now stated that the blast was caused by 2750 tons of ammonium nitrate fertilizer stored at the docks. Ammonium nitrate is extremely commonly used as fertilizer, but due to its chemical properties can easily become explosive. Ammonium nitrate mixed with fuel oil - abbreviated as ANFO - has been used in prominent terrorist bombings, most notably the Oklahoma City bombing. It is also very capable of becoming explosive when heated.
Previous ammonium nitrate disasters include Oppau, West Texas, and Tianjin.
Initial speculation on Twitter/Youtube includes accusations of nuclear attack similar to the accusations leveled for 9/11 and Tianjin, though Twitter is now publishing refutations to this. There has also been various accusations levelled against Israel, obviously due to the tumultuous nature of relations with Lebanon.
Sky News Australia has also run an expert interview where it was claimed that the explosion was 'clearly bomb-making related'.