<A large blast within the Lebanese capital, Beirut make earthquake>

 

A large blast within the Lebanese capital, Beirut, has caused widespread damage, injuring many people,

the Lebanese Red Cross says. It is not yet clear what caused the explosion within the city's port region.

Video posted online showed an outsized mushroom and destroyed buildings. Hospitals are said to be

overwhelmed by casualties. Lebanon's internal security chief said the blast happened in a neighborhood

housing highly explosive materials. The explosion comes at a sensitive time for Lebanon, with an

depression reigniting old divisions. Tensions also are high before Friday's verdict during a trial over the

killing of ex-Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in 2005.