Suspected Culprit Behind Beirut Explosion: Ammonium Nitrate
Suspected Culprit Behind Beirut Explosion: Ammonium Nitrate
The colossal destruction of Beirut's port was due to the explosion of a large quantity of ammonium nitrate stored in a warehouse there.
HuffPost reports more that as of Wednesday, more than 130 people were confirmed dead, and at least 5,000 injured.
Videos appear to show fireworks going off in a fire shortly before the massive explosion.
While ammonium nitrate can't burn on its own, it can act as an accelerant.
It can also explode when subjected to high temperatures in a confined space.