A year after Beirut's deadly blast | DW Documentary

At 6:08pm on 4th August 2020, 2,700 tonnes of ammonium nitrate exploded in the port of Beirut. The huge shock wave destroyed large parts of the city. 200 people died, over 6,500 were injured and hundreds of thousands of people were made homeless.
The fire brigade was called to Beirut port just before 6pm to extinguish a fire in a warehouse. They heard a strange crackling noise but were utterly unprepared for what happened next. It was a massive explosion, later estimated to be the equivalent of 1.1 kilotons of TNT. As a comparison, the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima was the equivalent of 15 kilotons.
One year after the explosion, its exact cause has still not been explained. It’s also unclear who bears responsibility for the catastrophe. The whole government under Lebanese prime minister Hassan Diab had to step down - but is still in office in a caretaker role. No one has yet been held accountable. The film is an attempt to reconstruct the events.
__
DW Documentary gives you knowledge beyond the headlines. Watch top documentaries from German broadcasters and international production companies. Meet intriguing people, travel to distant lands, get a look behind the complexities of daily life and build a deeper understanding of current affairs and global events. Subscribe and explore the world around you with DW Documentary.
Subscribe to:
DW Documentary: / @dwdocumentary
DW Documental (Spanish): / dwdocumental
DW Documentary (Arabic): / dwdocarabia
For more visit:
www.dw.com/en/tv/docfilm/s-3610
Instagram:
/ dwdocumentary
Facebook:
/ dw.stories
We kindly ask viewers to read and stick to the DW netiquette policy on our channel: p.dw.com/p/MF1G

[@SashaXXY]

Arrest the guy who actually tried to warn people and ignore the men at the top who didn't care about the warnings. Apparently all governments have this in their playbook.

[@daben7145]

and a lot of normal people are totally fine with it, the majority in almost every country.

[@olpizl]

@@daben7145 I don’t think so, but most of them are to scared or think it won’t help, so they don’t do anything about it.

[@endtimeslips4660]

well it was Lebanon them self fault. they let Iran made Chemical factory for make rocket they use for attacking Israel. look what God show to you. it was shame for Christian in Lebanon soberly helping 666 doing their work

[@daben7145]

@@olpizl People around the world look for authoritatian right wing politics for millenia across the globe, social left leaning politics doesnt exist in comparism, its like small dots in a large sea of rightwing ideology, and its what the people allowed to rule the world for millenia now. They chose it, if not the individuals, the species as a whole did, and does, and will do, until they commit suicide by draining the world that feeds them. Or rather they gonna bomb themselves to hell once wars start for basic stuff like water and food. Its a world in which decent, humble folk are considered gullible idiots that deserve to be taken advantage off while shitstains like trump become president, who has brought the world nothing but misery and the urge to vommit, mankind is just a sick joke tbh.

[@Smokie1523]

I think thats chapter 4 of the government handbook actually.

[@savannahm.laurentian1286]

The saddest part is the fire brigade that had no idea what they were walking into.

[@thepersianconnection]

just like chernobyl...

[@angiea5995]

True, what’s more devastating is that those who were near the warehouse or surrounding it, had partially vanished from the scene after the explosion.

[@anielchall9708]

@@thepersianconnection just like 9/11

[@envitech02]

@@angiea5995 Actually, they were the lucky ones, in a way. They didn't even know what hit them. One second, they are walking or standing around, the next second, they cease to exist. May they all rest in eternal peace.

[@angiea5995]

@@envitech02 true, yet I knew some who stayed awake under the mess or ground for 2-3 days , may they Rest In Peace, it’s extremely hard for their families.

[@scottmc1855]

When you look at how massive that explosion was and how much damage it did..... it's amazing that only 200 people died.

[@RedRum.]

Atleast they vaporized and didn't feel pain 🤷‍♂️

[@hockeyguy820]

This documentary says that the Beirut blast of 2020 at 1.1 kilotons equivalent TNT was the most powerful non-nuclear man made explosion of all time. This statement is not correct. The Halifax harbour explosion of 1917 was estimated at 2.9 kilotons equivalent TNT, almost 3 times more powerful.

[@CosmicSeeker69]

don't believe ANYTHING by M$M - ANYTHING

[@boodywolverine]

@@hockeyguy820 the halifax explosion was around 100Kt of tnt

[@hockeyguy820]

@@boodywolverine : Not according to Wikipedia, which says 2.9 kilotons. Look it up.

[@t.k.1319]

The idea that 2,750 TONS of ammonium nitrate could get purchased, manufactured and shipped without anyone knowing who actually placed the order is ridiculous.

[@MikkoRantalainen]

That's Russia for you.

[@jessikarabbid4720]

The fact that the government knew exactly what was in that warehouse, and they still sent people there to die... absolutely appalling.

[@jelaflorin3105]

9/11 of Beirut. Lot of simulareties

[@Og-Judy]

It called "passing the buck".

[@Og-Judy]

@@jelaflorin3105 AL qeda terrorists flew fully fueled jet planes in the the World Trade Center. What happened in Beirut is bad Governmental bunch if decisions as to what to do with all the ammonium Nitrate stashed in a warehouse. Nowhere near the same circumstances that brought down the TWC towers. Qa

[@Etendard1708]

@@jelaflorin3105 9/11 was Al Qaeda sending message to the world, a terrorism act. While explosion in Beirut happened because of the ignorance of corrupt government. They knew dangerous chemicals were storaged in there but they decided to keep it anyway.

[@alexfrank5331]

New luxury apartments were built within a couple blocks from it. Hospitals in the vicinity.

[@just_kos99]

Sahar's fiance brought tears to my eyes. I'm so glad she'll be remembered for her bravery, and being "an angel on Earth." RIP, brave lady :(

[@akshajdalal8876]

BEIRUT WAS FOUNDED BY HINDU KINGS ENTIRE WORLD BELONGS TO INDIA

[@krisp0114]

@@akshajdalal8876 what on earth are you on about?

[@thomas1055213]

@Keith Auss hahahah I love how political this got.

[@Drskopf]

@@akshajdalal8876 i wonder what the Maya Aztecs and Incas have to say about it?? Let me guess their cities were also created/founded by India as well🤔🤔🤔🤦🤦

[@imarchello]

@@akshajdalal8876 How do you feel about designated defecation streets?

[@cloud9847]

that nurse walked 5km holding 3 babies after going through a bomb explosion. What heroes. I wanted to be a firefighter when I was younger. I am so angered for the firefighters (and of course all the innocent). I can only hope actual justice is found someday.

[@kingdingaling2469]

Those POS running the world are purposefully destroying our world and the food supplies ‼️

[@justinmadrid8712]

Justice will be found the same time they get justice for 9/11.

[@justinmadrid8712]

@@BroderickNorthmoor Whenever the government commits a crime, justice is never found. The government was responsible for this big explosion, just like the U.S. government is responsible for 9/11. Justice will never happen lol.

[@masterk5372]

Justice will never be found because the top people or you can call them the elite what ever you want to call it is hiding all the evidence

[@masterk5372]

@@BroderickNorthmoor ikr

[@MaRi-zp9zk]

3:41 that was so sweet and meaningful him commenting on her in that way, you can feel the respect and admiration for her and the work she’s capable of doing. Heartbreaking for them both.

[@SticksAandstonesBozo]

This was glossed over so quickly. In my opinion it’s the most insane thing that’s happened in the last 20 years.

[@robertandrews6915]

What about 9-11?

[@jade3886]

@@robertandrews6915 that was 20 years ago, hence the “most insane thing that’s happened in the last 20 years”

[@marionogueira6211]

@@robertandrews6915 a lot of things have happened this century that were more deadly than 9-11 though

[@Exedus20]

Totally glossed over.

[@SticksAandstonesBozo]

@@robertandrews6915 math lol

[@hernancho007]

the nurse's story with the babys is amazing. Health care people are usually really commited to their work. Respect

[@ChatGPT1111]

They should really be the ones running countries, not lawyers.

[@m.sierra5258]

I mean what's the alternative... A nurse that lets 3 of the babies willingly die that she is responsible for would never be able to forgive herself

[@ChatGPT1111]

@@m.sierra5258 I think you’re missing the point of her choosing this occupation in the first place.

[@Carcosahead]

I mean, we study all our lives to preserve life so that’s what we do

[@gabrielarias72]

Not all some become doctors just to save a certain race. They'll let someone die if it's not their race of choice.

[@pTryceorl]

That man speaks of his deceased wife beautifully. I’m sorry for the loss of the years they deserved.

[@dragonladee3721]

Breaks my heart. The fire fighters had no chance. RIP. Someone must be held accountable for this tragedy.

[@bobcatbigpaws5597]

People who do such reckless things like this may not answer to the law but they will answer to God. Bringing all that fertilizer and storing it near all those buildings and a hospital is just evil.

[@BlackOilyMenKissing]

@@bobcatbigpaws5597 it’s safe to put some volatile chemicals in a warehouse, what they did wrong was put fireworks, tyres, and the fertilizers all in 1 warehouse building

[@TKR377]

You......turn yourself into justice

[@christophe2570]

Has it really been a year already😲 Time really flies...

[@HankageHill]

i feel the opposite. it feels like this happened so long ago and i was shocked to see it was just a year 😲

[@dinsel9691]

@@HankageHill what are you? 6 year old?

[@HankageHill]

@@dinsel9691 why are you so mad i have a bad perception of time? something up? do you wanna talk about it?

[@Tariq8ification]

Member 2020?

[@HankageHill]

@Yugaswami 2020 has caused us (not just me, but all of us) so much stress it felt like it lasted a lifetime. that's why it felt to be SO long for me. the years 2012 to 2019 are nothing but a blur to me only to slow to a crawl in 2020. do you see where i'm coming from now?

[@mr5elfde5truct]

This makes me wonder where else there is some disaster just sitting in a warehouse waiting to happen.

[@fibonacciCache]

The White House

[@faithnfire4769]

That's heavy shipping and industry for you, it's why keeping good checks and independent regulators is so important. There are few other places where warehouses of explosives/flammables is nearly common, if not expected. Scary stuff, but it's why it's such an important job. Can't get complacent or people will die.

[@sandeepmehta5311]

I read somewhere that in Indian city of Chennai there is such huge qty still lying from years, don’t know if it’s true or not and don’t recall where I read that.

[@AbrahamSamma]

A weapons depot near where I live exploded and devastated big portion of an urban residential area not too long ago. So yes, one can wonder what man-made disasters lie in wait everyday.

[@FireDragonArmy2]

Loli live in a town in flanders that has dozens and dozens of storage bunkers housing untold amounts of ammo and explosives. These bunkers are 70-80 years old, the ammo and explosives even older. They store mustard gas bombs from ww1 there. Best not to think about it too much.

[@ProbablyNotLegit]

Another reminder that ordinary people are capable of both terrible greed/negligence, but also of extraordinary kindness

[@johnlansing2902]

Shock from the blast , injuries then carries three babies for over a mile to get the babies to another hospital …… Courage , Dedication , truly the finest example of humanity .

[@MrRightZM]

Please don't stop posting documentaries like this! You are truly the best.

[@DWDocumentary]

Thank you so much for watching and commenting!

[@Okiijiida]

Would have loved the important point included that right before this happen a sect of Lebanese pissed off the Israeli government. And that one of their largest newspapers published a story saying that they would learn their lesson.

[@Alibaba-gs6ht]

I hope YOU video creator Reed this. Why dident you point out that IT was a possible missile attack. You Just talked about some sounds and possible drone.

[@superskullmaster]

@@DWDocumentary get your facts right next time. This was not the largest non-nuclear explosion. Minor Scale was bigger and so were at least 2 more explosions.

[@jr-bw1lt]

@@superskullmaster it's the most powerful even more powerful than some nuclear explosions There's a difference between scale and power

[@TheBub26]

"where should we store this potential explosive ship load of ammonia nitrate?" how 'bout the other side of that warehouse that we rented out to the fireworks factory?

[@stephenr80]

ah yes sure, and remember to put those old dry tyres close to them

[@yeahokno]

Seems odd that there was no pile of oily rags?

[@josephinesosingot-raisanen6743]

some people are so clever its incredible😟

[@aoelp]

"Oh and remember to do welding there regularly w/o any safety protocols, what could go wrong?" 🥴 So sorry for the Lebanese people. 😔

[@patrickmcglonejr8163]

Yea yea! Just make sure you move the smoking area to in between the 2 buildings!

[@Fugenix]

As a Lebanese person, nothing came close to the worry and shock i felt after i saw that, and knowing my grandparents lived there, my heart nearly stopped. I never want to experience or anyone else to experience the pain and shock i felt on that day

[@commonsense-og1gz]

the tragic thing is that this isn't the only one that was on this scale or greater. Halifax nova scotia had one in 1917 that killed 1900, and injured 9,000. it was almost the same situation. a ship carrying explosives for the front lines in Europe during WW1, collided with another ship in the channel next to Halifax. the ship drifted to the pier, and while it was on fire, it went off.

[@CharlotteG5678]

@@commonsense-og1gz yeah I read about that. Large explosions are terrifying.

[@BoleDaPole]

Have you been to Beirut since then? Has it all been cleaned up for the most part?

[@1stsharkb8]

This man loved his fiancee so much. He still has so much admiration for her. I hope he is able to heal his heart and one day bless some lucky girl!

[@savannahm.laurentian1286]

After all the strife in Lebanon, this was and is sad. Corruption exists everywhere. So does compassion. Thank you DW.

[@paulb5478]

⅝

[@Okiijiida]

Lesson here: Do not piss off Isis Ra or El. Egyptian Kings are dangerous.

[@aoelp]

@@paulb5478 ⅞

[@umroayyar3910]

@@Okiijiida Ra is controlled. *ISIS , now IS , are incredible.* Ancients Egyptian paroahs & them magicians Generations who were beaten by Ancient Prophet Moses are back in them positions & powers.

[@seemose]

Sounds kinda gay

[@cubiccorp8235]

Rest In Peace, everyone who died.

[@stephenduke412]

I don't think Ole has had his chance as Manager at Manchester United He's not up to the job in comparison Compared to Liverpool city and Chelsea

[@emilholmsten8600]

@@stephenduke412 hahhahhaha

[@briskstevens8604]

The 26 yr old nurse who traveled 5 klms to get those 3 babies into another hospital... you're an angel. 🙏

[@coyotej4895]

I remember it. It was the first day I went back into a church (besides my mom's funeral) in 40 years, and I prayed for them all. The blast looked so horrible. I hope some justice was given out for the living.

[@clayz1]

@Tom Jones ?

[@CreeperCart]

@@tomjones8828 tf

[@OldSpoolRacing]

I'm sure that helped

[@gladitsnotme]

They need to let Joe Nedaf the whistleblower go! He did the right thing, why blame him?

[@Klopp2543]

Not only Nedaf but snowden,mannings and the biggest whistleblower in history the wikileaks guy assange

[@ahhhinds2785]

@Matthew M Wow... Sorry about that.. Stay strong.. From 🇯🇲 🇯🇲

[@mikehawk2610]

@Matthew M how far where you from the blast? where you in a room with windows or an interior room? just curious

[@archlich4489]

@Matthew M Be well, friend.

[@alexfatayeri9369]

@Matthew M yo I live next to the port too I’m still in beirut lol

[@justdev8965]

One year already? My sense of time is severely skewed then. I could have sworn this happened last month.

[@Laroac]

Same time flies

[@leinardesteves3987]

Yeah same wtf

[@ani589]

In 50 years we all will die 🤐🤐

[@heekyungkim8147]

@@ani589 in my case maybe 20

[@TheWirdbird]

I know what you mean, but I am the opposite. I thought the explosion happened 5 years ago!!

[@Chris-yz8ve]

How did only 220 people die. It seems like it could have EASILY been in the 1000s.......

[@X737_]

They were evacuated it was mostly emergency services who died

[@dakotagarcia7781]

I remember when I saw the first footage of this massive mushroom cloud/shockwave I remember thinking "this can't be real."

[@feisaldianga511]

The event that happened that summer was devastating and awful, that what corruption and greed can do to a country and its citizens where systems don’t work to the beneficial of the people, hope this people get justice

[@ZeroCool-vn9bd]

100%

[@parteuy3434]

hello CIA

[@Steamerbeen]

Even western countries are the same, they just better at hiding it.

[@ZeroCool-vn9bd]

@@Steamerbeen Well, you know what they say, everyone has a price. However the cost and risks certainly will be higher in western countries. This a little different due to the whole situation with the extremely long storage of this material in the state it was in given the quantity.

[@l.u.rehuher3714]

@@Steamerbeen Incompetence beyond scale

[@boxie001]

and the news cycle quickly forgot about this and moved on.

[@communismisadisease4498]

Well yeah, they have to tell you about all the other bad stuff that happens so you think the world is collapsing and only the government can save you.

[@bytesteeve4345]

Many thanks for your email

[@Dystopikachu]

@@communismisadisease4498How dare you insult the memory of Che Guevara by crossing his image with a red line? So many latinos will be very, very mad.

[@anahlady5067]

Thank you for your email

[@boxie001]

@@communismisadisease4498 they told me about the Notre Dame burning more than they told me about this tragedy I bet the Notre Dame got more money donations too.

[@freedomthroughspirit]

Much love for the Lebanese people who've suffered through this. 💔🙏💕

[@brianthornton5026]

RIP to those who lost their lives trying to put out the fire

[@ct1762]

they should've assessed the situation and concentrated on immediate evacuation protocols. If i was the fire chief (assuming i knew what was in the warehouse... something the FIRE dept. probably or should've known) id tell my crew to stay atleast 1/2 mile away.

[@thegiftedfire3470]

@@ct1762 you are thinking of it in hindsight. They don’t know what they are dealing with.

[@ct1762]

@@thegiftedfire3470 fair enough. I do see they tried to get the government to act, but they did nothing for years.

[@emmetnolan7081]

Peace ,Love & Respect to the people of Lebanon 🇱🇧 from the people of Ireland 🇮🇪......we stand with you our brothers.....

[@wboyle9721]

Same best wishes from Glasgow from Glasgow scotland 👍

[@ambersaria1000]

Same peace and love respect from Kildare Ireland

[@LeviForWaifu]

PLO and IRA, one struggle

[@MrRedeyedJedi]

@@LeviForWaifu IRA? Really your going to condone terrorists that blew our kids to pieces with dirty bombs and caused so much suffering? Disgusting.

[@hki4464]

Much love for you too. Actually there have been Irish battalion serving with UN in Lebanon since the late 70's.

[@edwardharley9]

I cannot tell you how my heart breaks....so sad for the people of Lebanon...

[@sm3675]

Yea. Such a shame to the people and government.

[@mistersmacky]

The video claims it was the largest non-nuclear explosion which is incorrect. The Halifax ammo ship explosion of 1917 was more than double this, 2.9 kilotons of TNT with 1,792 deaths.

[@MatheusMPL]

5:10 you can see in his eyes that his life ended along with hers... this is absolutely soul breaking

[@rickp3753]

A blast like that and only 200 died? That seems pretty miraculous to me. I would've guessed about ten times that.

[@johnterpack3940]

I'm guessing people had sense enough to get away from the area when the fire started. It also helped that it was at the port. Ports generally aren't crowded places.

[@willam1992]

The concrete buildings saved many lives also the huge grain silo also helped to defect and absorb some of the blast as well

[@ifihadfriends437]

People were apparently largely at home because of COVID so there weren’t so many people as there normally would be on the streets and in the bay.

[@jalspach9215]

@@willam1992 You are correct. The 1st time I saw the blast footage I noticed the clear "window" in the shock wave directly above the silo as it absorbed the over pressure on the warehouse side. Had the silo not been there the casualty rate would have indeed been exponential.

[@justpassingbye]

@@jalspach9215 praise the grain praise the silo

[@user-pi7zg9yp1z]

I was in Cyprus leaving from work and I had my cars window open on the highway. Then suddenly, a huge bang came in from the window and surprised me. After an half an hour, I heard the news... Such a disaster... Rest in peace to all the victims

[@personalbestfishing6321]

He was on the phone with her when it happened, so sad. She sounded like an amazing person.

[@aleksandran3978]

This man saw his loved one dying during call? I am so sorry about this happening. I'm hoping everyone that was affected by this is going to find their peace

[@DougUnfunny]

omg the open segment showing the hospital workers is new footage to me and its just heartbreaking. This was terrifying just to see this mass destruction caused by stupidity. I feel so bad for those who lost someone.

[@dartshinigami]

My kudos to the nurse, she is an exemplary one. To run with 3 newborn 3 km and also be able to save them!!!! This should merit a medal or something

[@herculeanpiggy9746]

I hadn’t watched this before today, only compilation videos of the explosion in progress, and Im not ashamed to say my heart broke and I fell into silent tears, when I saw the effect it had on the Hospitals and new born babies; and the truely heroic acts of the brave Men and Women, who faught the fire, and did not know what disaster and tragedy they were apart of.

[@heinmadsen-leipoldt2341]

i personally want to express my condolences to the families who have lost there loved ones to the deadly blast, as a religious person i strongly believe that beirut shall recover, it will take time, but it will take unity and communal strenght to stand together as a nation to help and to uplift one another to rebiuld your lifes. good luck and stay strong beirut. god be with berut

[@rebelbelle1039]

That nurse was my hero helping rescue those babies 🥺♥️

[@envitech02]

The firemen and firewomen did their duty to the last. My utmost respect to them!!! May they have a place in heaven.

[@didymos32]

this still scares me like it just happened yesterday, some people were obliterated in seconds, wtf man 😔

[@CreeperCart]

Have you heard of 9/11?

[@KeaveMind]

@@CreeperCart Stop it other countries can have catastrophic events as well. It's not all about america

[@anthonyibrahim4745]

@@KeaveMind +sorry but 9/11 is nothing compared to what we deal with in a daily basis so shut it...

[@tafarapaul]

RIP Sahar and the loved ones lost, it's really heartbreaking 💔

[@Sammysapphira]

Moral of the story, if you ever see a silent explosion in the distance, duck, don't gawk.

[@mungojack]

All explosions in the distance are silent

[@dougtilaran3496]

Or wear Ray Banz like Joe does,

[@bbigfish1langille940]

Great comment

[@codgamer]

I thought it is "Listen to your wife"

[@t.r.4496]

Hell no, got to get your phone out and put it on KZbin to get those views.

[@nathankaye1577]

Wow the nurse saving the 3 new born babies 😍🙏 absolutely a real life hero. God bless her and keep her safe. A true Angel 😇

[@qpSubZeroqp]

I wonder if we get to hear from those three individuals later in life

[@Half_Finis]

@@qpSubZeroqp we'll see it on reddit in 20 years

[@mikecox1974]

Feel so so horrible for the people killed, injured and survivors of Beirut due to a horrific explosion that never should have happened

[@Hamzaorabi91]

the fact is it was a Russian ship so that means Russia was behind the explosion 😂

[@steelokey]

Never know what could happen. Gotta be thankful for what we got & take the proper steps to prevent this type of stuff from happening in the future. RIP to all the lives lost, so so so sad.

[@aarshpatel2000]

I am baffled by dw’s ability to continue quality content in a time where 3 minutes of reporters shouting about their opinion has become the norm. Thank you DW

[@rodongo5221]

So apparently the shipment was destined for destruction elsewhere.

[@Radke32]

Most explosives are

[@a_lucientes]

That's what theyre pointing out, that it wasn't, other than on paper, it was supposedly to go to Mogadishu, *_(EDIT: the actual final location was supposed to be Mozambique, NOT Mogadishu -someone below corrected me)_* but was shipped to the Lebanese port and then all but abandoned. To me it looks like a terrorist operation because any commercial interest would have their ducks in order. They would not simply abandon half a million dollars in cargo hidden behind an elaborate web of LLC's and front companies. Ammonium nitrate is most commonly used in farming, not in making explosives, though of course it is also used in the making of high-explosives and even missiles. Though clearly, the Lebanese Army completely dropped the ball by not securing the highly explosive cargo, despite being warned that a massive quantity of it was being improperly stored. It also seems like there are way too many coincidences, complications and inconsistencies in this story.

[@inlikearefugee5194]

@@a_lucientes Yep, who benefits?, like the saying of Bro Nat Kapner.

[@ZeroCool-vn9bd]

@@a_lucientes Even terrorist bomb makers would head for the hills if their boss ordered a shipment of ammonium nitrate that large, where there would be a possibility of it being contaminated with diesel fuel from ship problems. It's a string of mistakes, corruption, that led to the worst possible outcome. Those pleading help posters from the Moldavian crew start to make a lot more sense.

[@thespicemelange.1]

Seems to me it was set up to get rid of all that old stuff so they can build new stuff.

[@abirmef9510]

Unbeleivable...💔 poor people .. thank u Dw for the amazing documentaries u keep producing👏

[@bobcatbigpaws5597]

It was amazing how they caught so much from the explosion and telling the public what happened. Lord knows why they stored all that fertilizer in that warehouse and never moved it when they were told it was dangerous.

[@globalautobahn1132]

I live near the port of LA and used to work in logistics. And I can tell you from all my experiences, plus what I’ve seen here and in China a couple years back. If you ever see a small fire at any port, leave! Even if you are a mile away, get further away (like 3-4 miles), and only come back to home or work, after you can confirm the fire has been fully extinguished.

[@stuthompson1014]

wow

[@mq5731]

Now you have to tell….Why do you know this????

[@ramstrom6399]

in these moments of unimaginable suffer it is stunning to witness the kindness of humanity shine through. I admire greatly the strength of those who persevered this tragedy.

[@maximusstorm1215]

As people have said. They'd never wish for a 9/11 ever again, but they'd do anything for another 9/12.

[@Saidwhowhen]

This,this right here.

[@jeffstowe4860]

THANK YOU FOR THIS DOCUMENTARY. People MUST see this insanity! I have a lot of experience with nitrates and this should have NEVER happened! Prayers for the many Souls taken by this ridiculous travesty!!

[@Skipbo000]

thank you so much. would you please send my family in Beirut some money - we are really struggling. I will check back here for your response.

[@lukejohnston4666]

Yet some will blame israel

[@BASE5NYC]

This city and the people there have been through so much over the years it’s almost unbelievable.

[@AG-ni8jm]

A ship declared seaworthy by documentation from Moldova... Europe's poorest country and a landlocked one at that. First red flag

[@bearo8]

They do have one port at the Danube. But yes sadly corruption is high there. Which is sad as it is a beautiful country otherwise.

[@TheBanana93]

@@bearo8 The world is a very beautiful amazing place. Us humans? Eh most of us are ugly

[@HayderAbdulridha]

@@TheBanana93 on the inside more than the outside.

[@zbestofalldreams]

@@HayderAbdulridha Right. And after death of the flesh body this inside is turned out & the outside turned in... Thus there is no escaping Z inner reality - it lives on as the memories in our immortal Soulbeing, on a temporal journey of consciousness evolution...

[@jacklambert2607]

Most US shipping companies register their ships in foreign countries such as Panama, Monrovia, and some Caribbean island countries to avoid US taxation and US Coast Guard requirements.

[@IkeMann100]

Best coverage! Updating old news. Love DW. Pro Journalism.

[@pod9538]

I'm right behind you guys. My dad was a un Irish soldier there in the 80s and so I really do have a connection with you. God bless and R.I.P..... to all.

[@Okraknife]

So heartbreaking. These people have seen so much pain and suffering.

[@manatee2500]

There are aspects of this documentary that suffer because the executive producer isn't familiar with shipping. That's a shame since there are so many shipowners, shipbrokers, ship operators, banks, forwarders, etc. etc. in Germany alone who could have lent their expertise and many would have gone on the record.

[@ZeroCool-vn9bd]

Well said.

[@44bett]

I think they-DW- wants to blame it on the Syrians.

[@ZeroCool-vn9bd]

@@44bett Did you even watch the whole thing? They do a pretty good job of trying to go to the root cause of who owned the ship. (Moldovian on a Harley...classic flex)*I had a Moldovian roommate for years, and he is the nicest guy, but he would not hesitate to tell you that there are a few gangsters in Moldova. Shell companies are something right up their alley. They go on to explain why it was stopped etc. Then the complete disregards for handling, and storage methods. I live in Denmark and we maybe a small country, but we do shipping big. This product is safely manufactured, transported, handled, and stored every day. Honestly only a half million dollar cargo on ship capable of doing the route it was planning to do makes it probably very hard to make profit from. As far as blaming it on Syria, well Germany has taken in the most refugees, if I am not all wrong. This certainly has some people upset who are very racist, it is worse in Denmark. It's weird though because we have had a very large population in Scandinavia of people from the middle east since the Iranian revolution. Which are generations integrated in the countries. I started to learn Danish 8 years ago sitting next to someone who had almost finished his education as a Dr. in Aleppo when his university was bombed. No one blamed Syria for that, just fell terrible for everything people were going through. People blame Bashar al Assad for being a dictator and dragging so many entities into the civil war. If anything people here blame the US for the poor job done in Iraq... That's my .02 cents. Shit is complicated.

[@Okiijiida]

Probably unit 217

[@moos5221]

@@44bett Why would anyone not think that the Mossad is behind all this? Is it just too obvious?

[@chloehennessey6813]

The Halifax explosion was the largest non-nuclear explosion. It was approx 3.5-4 kilotons yield and killed and injured 14,000.

[@MrMJmusicLover]

That can't compare with nuclear or non nuclear because the technology didn't exist in 1917.

[@epiclamp44]

@@MrMJmusicLover that makes no sense whatsoever.

[@MrJShabadoo]

Thank you for posting this, randomly saw this on my feed and immediately went to comment this as a resident of NS. Please fact check DW.

[@danrook5757]

When did that happen

[@wadehodges2301]

For this one single coverage of this tragedy I am finally pleased with have having this media device. Without it I don't know how people here in my area of the world would ever come to understand what these dear people have suffered. God bless them.

[@mefford67]

*Absolutely heartbreaking that all of this death and destruction could have been avoided.* *Corruption at its finest…* 😖

[@jamesr1703]

Does anyone else get horrible shivers all over their body whenever these explosions are shown?

[@moos5221]

No, I'm not into that creepy kind of stuff.

[@corticallarvae]

YeAh I get the Netanyahu shivers

[@implodingcolon1058]

Nope

[@corticallarvae]

Hisbah

[@thestruggler7926]

When I saw the videos it felt like I was witnessing a nuclear bomb being dropped. I thought a huge war was gonna happen...

[@SA-87]

I don't watch the news much but when I do, I never see anything on this story. Had this happened in NYC or Paris, we'd be hearing about it every day for years.

[@HanifArif]

My Warmest wishes to the people of Lebanon. Hope that from here, the Nation will jump to a height of Development and prosperity

[@Skipbo000]

thank you so much. would you please send my family in Beirut some money - we are really struggling. I will check back here for your response.

[@kingdingaling2469]

Those POS who are supposed to be running the world are purposefully destroying our world and the food supplies ‼️

[@Hockeyfan9884]

The nurse rescue of 5 young babies, To you forever I will Always remember most of this terrible event, and honor you with utmost respect. Thank you young lady, ALWAYS .

[@felixw3806]

BEST documentaries on KZbin. Keep up the great work, please!

[@gladitsnotme]

I hope the investigative reporter is under protection. He's getting to the bottom of it and powerful people won't like it.

[@ggoddkkiller1342]

Good documentary but sadly it's scientific part was lacking very badly such as ammonium nitrate was called ''an explosive'' over and over again while in reality it isn't an explosive at all and ammonium nitrate doesn't even BURN on it's own!! Ammonium nitrate is just a salt and mainly used as a high-nitrogen fertilizer. But it could be used for making explosives if it is mixed with explosives or fuels, for example the most common way of making explosive from it is mixing it with only 6% fuel oil!! The problem with ammonium nitrate it decomposes on heat and releases oxygen therefore the mixture would keep burning no matter what as fuel oil would get all oxygen needed from decomposing ammonium nitrate while tempeture of the mixture increasing rapidly. Until all the remaining ammonium nitrate decomposes at the same creating a gas explosion!! For example that orange cloud at Beirut explosion was nitrogen dioxide (Not ammonium oxide) forming from O 2 + N2 that ammonium nitrate pile just released. So in short ammonium nitrate didn't cause Beirut explosion rather it was ''the genius'' who decided to store ammonium nitrate with burnable fireworks and tires!! On it's own ammonium nitrate could stay in warehouse 12 for literally thousands of years AWAY from any burnable or explosive chemicals...

[@bytesteeve4345]

Many thanks for your email

[@anahlady5067]

Thank you for your email

[@DWDocumentary]

Thank you so much! We appreciate the feedback.

[@LeopardsinUkraine]

That tragedy moved me a lot last year. I couldn't quite comprehend what had just happened. Such an amazing documentary once again. You guys always outdo yourselves.

[@Pixiuchu]

Interesting that it happened on a day that is one of my most important days of my entire life. Imagine having such a good time, while thousands of kilometers away from you such a massive explosive happens and you don't even know. People are suffering and you're none the wiser. Rather chilling. Purely speaking for myself, that day is still one of the most important, if not the most important day though. And the day after that the best. But regardless, I hope everyone who died will rest in peace and that everyone else will be able to find peace themselves as well.

[@mencken8]

The history of ammonium nitrate and its instability in storage makes it (still) hard to believe that this cargo could have been stored for even a day in the middle of a city….let alone for years.

[@anitagubalane7510]

My deeply condolences for the families who's lost their loved ones from this traumatic blast in Beirut, Lebanon. 🇱🇧😭😢🙏

[@Skipbo000]

thank you so much. would you please send my family in Beirut some money - we are really struggling. I will check back here for your response.

[@CallsignVega]

Factual error in this video. The largest non-nuclear explosion was in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in 1917. 3 kilotons.

[@dougtilaran3496]

COOL. I'll go search, Strange ? For my dumb ass

[@SaucyAlfredo]

Wasn’t that also the same compound as in Beirut?

[@MrNeosantana]

What about Tunguska?

[@thewoggler4981]

@@MrNeosantana This is about man-made explosions. Otherwise there are countless larger explosions, all large volcanos, meteor strikes etc. are much more powerful than even nuclear bombs.

[@MrNeosantana]

@@thewoggler4981 Oh, I didn't hear the man made part

[@mattw337]

I saw a short yesterday of a guy on a jet ski filming this from way to close. The water saved his life. Amazing video.

[@paulsutton5896]

Considering the immensity of the blast, in the heart of a city, it is actually surprising not that so many died, but that it wasn't many times more.

[@ksteak27]

Pamela.... you are a hero. Full stop. Thank you for loving and caring for the most vulnerable and helpless victims.

[@hansvorste84]

My heart goes out to all these people. Blessings to everyone

[@draterlarebil4506]

The lady that saved the 3 babies is a hero

[@YukiTsunoda7]

*the young nurse whomst saved the babies, is a yung QUEEN, and God will watch over her, for a thousand years*

[@alistairbadger4413]

It's really heart-warming to see that under such horrendous corruption and lies there are such nice, kind determined people. They won't get any help from their authorities, so they must stay strong and help themselves and eachother.

[@kingdingaling2469]

Those POS @ the top are purposefully destroying our world and the food supplies ‼️

[@xcrimsinx]

I feel for the man who lost his Fiancé, my condolences to you and your family.

[@surfstarcc1]

I started tearing up when the story about the nurse and the newborns came on. WOW

[@jj5585]

Such tragic events like this can never happen again. Corruption must be rooted out of government and business. Peace to all those who had their lives cut short.

[@Bomezy]

I remember seeing this on the news when it was happening and I decided to go on Snapchat at the time and look at people's public stories in the area and seeing those videos up close that they posted just before the big blast thinking there is no way they just survived that... still gives me chilles thinking about watching someone post their last video not knowing it would be there last...

[@nhatuphong1579]

Poor those victims, I was even shocked seeing the explosion from my phone. It was tragic event for people in the city. Hope people will unite to prevent it from bad guys in future.

[@EthyEth]

Can you imagine... being the people who went to turn as it blew just before the shockwave completely ripped them apart. I imagine it was instant for most. But for the slightly further away people.. itd be so painful..

[@Saturdayz_In_The_Fall]

Idk what came first the hospital or the location of the chemicals but who ever decided putting them THAT close to each other should be ASHAMED AND CRIMINALLY PROSECUTED!!!

[@aniwaba]

I watched it on TV last night. A very beautiful documentary capturing that sorrowful day in Beirut.

[@nishashilpakar6991]

In which channel does it come

[@HamzaKhan-cd9kz]

@@nishashilpakar6991 In Star Plus

[@aintyours7470]

@@nishashilpakar6991 DW English!

[@bytesteeve4345]

Many thanks for your email

[@ggoddkkiller1342]

Good documentary but sadly it's scientific part was lacking very badly such as ammonium nitrate was called ''an explosive'' over and over again while in reality it isn't an explosive at all and ammonium nitrate doesn't even BURN on it's own!! Ammonium nitrate is just a salt and mainly used as a high-nitrogen fertilizer. But it could be used for making explosives if it is mixed with explosives or fuels, for example the most common way of making explosive from it is mixing it with only 6% fuel oil!! The problem with ammonium nitrate it decomposes on heat and releases oxygen therefore the mixture would keep burning no matter what as fuel oil would get all oxygen needed from decomposing ammonium nitrate while tempeture of the mixture increasing rapidly. Until all the remaining ammonium nitrate decomposes at the same creating a gas explosion!! For example that orange cloud at Beirut explosion was nitrogen dioxide (Not ammonium oxide) forming from O 2 + N2 that ammonium nitrate pile just released. So in short ammonium nitrate didn't cause Beirut explosion rather it was ''the genius'' who decided to store ammonium nitrate with burnable fireworks and tires!! On it's own ammonium nitrate could stay in warehouse 12 for literally thousands of years AWAY from any burnable or explosive chemicals...

[@tkokflux6322]

Its sad to see Lebanese people and lebanon like this they are so kind and yet they get this truly sad

[@348Tobico]

Excellent documentary. How the Lebanese people recover from one more awful situation shows the heart and soul of a strong people. I hope the best for them. Not just in rebuilding but in getting better government to protect all the people and resources of this lovely land.

[@DWDocumentary]

Thank you! We're glad you liked the documentary. Subscribe to our channel for the latest uploads.

[@georgestevens1556]

Such a heartbreaking horrible tragedy. My soul aches for the people of Beruit though I Love how the people of that nation who were abroad, returned to stay and help their people rebuild their lives and city. GOD be with you 😢❤

[@ceppoc]

god bless that "delivery man" on the moped. Incredibly kind and smart to help hurt people like that!

[@diemos322jones9]

As massive as that was, I am shocked (in the best way) that only 200 perished. May they rest in paradise 🙏

[@MrMJmusicLover]

Or in hell

[@leeholmes9962]

I send yous people my love my sympathy and respect. that event I can't even imagine in my worst nightmare how horrifying that event must have been for you people in Beirut I hope yous all will be compensated for all the horrific trauma that yous all at to deal with on that day and I'm guessing still going through now ✌👍

[@frechesferkel2749]

Seeing this devastation and to know that this is only a fraction of a little nuclear blast like hiroshima is terrifying.

[@bbigfish1langille940]

The world is getting to use to unforgivable disasters like this , i pray the powers that they havnt forgotten and are paying attention more to whats happening to people's well being!! PUT CITIZENS FIRST !!! Not your status or how much more money you can pocket 🤬 God Bless the people of Lebanon, from a fellow human being from Canada 🙏💖