# The Beirut Blast (DD-266)

> 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.

- Department: History (also Science)
- First published: 2024-07-07
- Last updated: 2024-07-07
- Permalink: https://detailenjoyer.com/case/the-beirut-blast/
- Author: Marcus Easterling (DetailEnjoyer), The Detail Department

## On the timeline

- **Aug. 4, 2020**: Ammonium nitrate explodes at the Port of Beirut

Full timeline: https://detailenjoyer.com/timeline/?case=the-beirut-blast

## Quick facts

- **DD-266-F01**: The explosion happened on August 4, 2020. _(Write-up · Exhibit A (Date))_
- **DD-266-F02**: About 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate exploded. _(Write-up · Exhibit B (Cause))_

## 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. **Date**: The explosion happened on August 4, 2020.
2. **Cause**: About 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate exploded.
3. **Felt far**: It was felt in Cyprus.
4. **Toll**: More than 200 people died.
5. **Homeless**: About 300,000 people lost their homes.

## Related case files

- [Nuclear Fireball (DD-052)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/nuclear-fireball/): I linked another huge blast

## Reel vs. record

- **Note**: None needed.

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

- Duration: 31.5 s · Published: 2024-07-07
- File: https://detailenjoyer.com/assets/videos/C9JDA40JBgk.mp4

### Transcript

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!

## Questions & answers

**Q: When did the Beirut port explosion happen?**  
A: In the afternoon local time. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (Date) · Wikipedia: 2020 Beirut explosion)_

**Q: What exploded?**  
A: About 2,750 tons. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (Cause) · Wikipedia: 2020 Beirut explosion)_

**Q: Where was it stored?**  
A: For years. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (Felt far) · Wikipedia: 2020 Beirut explosion)_

**Q: About how many people died?**  
A: Thousands were injured. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (Toll) · Wikipedia: 2020 Beirut explosion)_

**Q: How many lost their homes?**  
A: Across the city. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (Homeless) · Wikipedia: 2020 Beirut explosion)_

## Sources

- [Wikipedia: 2020 Beirut explosion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/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/