More than 75 killed in Beirut blast

Beirut: The death toll from the Beirut explosion rose to at least 78, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. Nearly 4,000 people were injured.
A massive explosion injured dozens and caused widespread damage in the Lebanese capital of Beirut on Tuesday. The explosion took place at the city's port.

It was not immediately clear what had caused the explosion and how many people were injured. Windows were shattered and buildings were destroyed, while smoke was seen billowing across the city.

Lebanese Health Minister Hamad Hasan said there was a "very high number of injuries," local television channel LBC quoted him as saying.

Several eyewitnesses reported that some of the wounded may be buried under rubble.

Some local TV stations reported that the blast took place at an area where fireworks were sold, while Lebanon's state news agency NNA quoted security sources as saying that the warehouses may have housed explosives.

More details to follow.