2700 injured

Dozens dead and thousands injured in massive Beirut blast

Videos show smoke billowing from a fire, then a mushroom cloud following the blast at the city's port.

Hospitals are said to be overwhelmed and many buildings have been destroyed.

Lebanon's internal security chief said the blast occurred in an area where highly explosive materials were stored. The exact cause is not yet clear.

A BBC journalist at the scene reported dead bodies and severe damage, enough to put the port of Beirut out of action.