Graphic PHOTOS: At least 10 dead as massive explosion today rocks Beirut, Lebanon

A massive explosion in the Lebanese capital of Beirut has left at least 10 people dead and destroyed the home of the former prime minister.
Firefighters spray water at a fire after an explosion was heard in Beirut
The Future Movement Party confirmed that ex-PM Saad Hariri is safe, but the country's health minister said the blasts had caused a 'very high number of injuries' and huge damage. Medical sources told Reuters that at least 10 people been killed by the explosion, which appeared to follow a fire - the cause of which is unknown - at the port. 
Dramatic footage shows smoke billowing from the port area shortly before an enormous fireball explodes into the sky and blankets the city in a thick mushroom cloud. Witnesses have stressed the sheer enormity of the blast, which was reportedly heard in Cyprus, and likened it to a 'nuclear bomb'. Security sources told Reuters the blast occurred where there are warehouses storing explosives, although it was not immediately clear what caused the blast. 
Officials have not confirmed what type of explosives are in the facilities, but witnesses pointed to videos which seem to show fireworks shooting out of the smoke. Sources close to Lebanon's militant group Hezbollah denied theories the blast was an Israeli strike on a weapons facility. It comes just days before a United Tribunal is set to rule on the assassination of the country's former PM Rafik Hariri, Saad's father. The explosion comes at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle Eastern country which is is passing through its worst economic and financial crisis in decades.
A massive explosion has rocked Beirut this afternoon destroying buildings and sending a huge fireball into the sky
Dramatic footage shows smoke billowing from the port area shortly before an enormous fireball explodes into the sky and blankets the city in a thick mushroom cloud
A general view of the harbor area with smoke billowing from an area of a large explosion, with damage and debris after a large explosion rocked the harbor area of Beirut
A mobile phone image showing a general view of the harbor area with smoke billowing from an area of a large exoplosion, with damage and debris after a large explosion rocked the harbor area of Beirut
A man reacts at the scene of an explosion at the port in Lebanon's capital Beirut on August 4
People on the street in Beirue which is strewn with debris from damaged buildings following the explosion
The loud blast in Beirut's port area was felt across large parts of the city and some districts lost electricity
Dramatic footage on social media shows people screaming as an enormous blast rocks the waterside area of Lebanon's capital city
A large explosion rocked the Lebanese capital Beirut today. The blast, which rattled entire buildings and broke glass, was felt in several parts of the city
A wounded man walks near the scene of an explosion in Beirut


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