Beirut is still reeling in the aftermath of the dramatic explosion on Tuesday that caused untold devastation in the city.
Though it’s yet early to know exact figures, its thought well over one hundred people have died, as well as more than 5,000 injured. The August 4 blast, linked to a supply of confiscated explosive material stored in a warehouse at the city’s port, destroyed homes and blew out windows as far as 10km (6 miles) away.
Amidst the devastation, however, a photo has surfaced showing the incredible moment a hospital nurse gathered up three newborn babies to keep them safe from harm.
The man who took the photo, photographer Bilal Marie Jawich, took to Facebook to praise the heroic nurse, stating that in 16 years of covering wars as a press photographer he hadn’t seen what he did the day of the explosion.
He wrote: “Especially in front of the rum hospital and this ‘heroine’ caught me inside the hospital and was accelerating to call despite the suspension of communication holding three newborn babies and surrounded by dozens of bodies and wounded.”
As per reports, Lebanon President Michel Aoun said the explosion was caused by more than 2,750 tons of abandoned ammonium nitrate – possibly confiscated by authorities ‘a while back’.
Needless to say, investigations into the cause have been launched, with authorities determined to find out how such potent explosives could have been left in a warehouse for six years without preventive measures being taken.
Lebanon’s Prime Minister Hassan Diab vowed to hold the people responsible for the incident to account. “I promise you that this catastrophe will not pass without accountability,” he said.
Our hearts go out to the families of those who lost their lives in the Beirut explosion, while we’re sending all our thoughts and prayers to those who have been injured or affected.
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