Huge explosion in Beirut destroys Lebanese rowing centre

Beirut, Lebanon

1 minute read
Words Benedict Tufnell
Photo Hiba Al Kallas
Published 05.08.20

World Rowing has reported that the Lebanese National Rowing Centre in Beirut suffered major damage following an explosion that rocked the city on Tuesday.

The explosion occurred at an ammonium nitrate store at Beirut’s cargo port, across the channel from the Lebanese rowing centre. 

Photo Port of Beirut explosion, August 4, 2020: Beirut Downtown
Credit Hiba Al Kallas

Due to social distancing measures currently in place, no athletes or staff were present at the facility at the time of the explosion. World Rowing reports that current updates confirm all rowers and staff were unharmed. 

Despite it’s distance from the cargo port, reports suggest the rowing centre was all but destroyed, with the walls of the building collapsed on the boats stored inside. 

See World Rowing for more updates.