Beirut blast

[Rainbow]

It was shocking news coverage to see the blast that occurred in Beirut, and a timely reminder of the potential devastation of bombs and explosives on populations and people’s lives.

I hope it stands as visual to all around the world, that finding peace in any conflict should always be the only solution.

[Sian]

It wasn’t a bomb, it was caused by a store of ammonium nitrate.

[Louise]

The footage has been horrendous to watch, and I agree with you that given it’s appearance, it should be a reminder of how devastating explosives, such as bombs can be! It really did seem like a nuclear bomb to the untrained eye as the news was breaking.

Terrible, just terrible! The injuries have been life changing to many.

[Teal]

What is ammonium nitrate used for? It seems crazy that it was taken off a ship because it was deemed to unsafe, yet stored for 6 years in an area where people work and live!

[Jackie361]

Ammonium nitrate is predominantly used in agriculture as a high-nitrogen fertiliser. It's relatively stable under most conditions and is inexpensive to manufacture, making the chemical a popular alternative to other, more expensive nitrogen sources.

It seems like it’s safe if stored and used correctly

[Jonelle]

Surely ammonium nitrate is moved around on the seas all the time, why wasn’t it allowed to continue on its journey? What is the point of taking such a substance that is considered unsafe and then storing it for years in an area where people live and work without a plan to dispose of it!

[Joolz]

If it is safe when stored correctly and moved around on the sea how did it explode?