The Beirut Port Explosion (English)

Summary

On August 4th, 2020, an explosion devastated the port of Beirut, killing over 200 people and injuring thousands. Forensic Architecture, in collaboration with Madam Mass, examined open-source data, including videos and photographs, to create a precise 3D model of the events. The analysis revealed critical details about the warehouse fire and explosion, showing how ammonium nitrate, fireworks, and other materials were stored dangerously, ultimately leading to the catastrophic blast. This investigation underscores the role of negligence and the need for accountability, with efforts ongoing for a public, independent inquiry into the tragedy.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Beirut port explosion occurred on August 4th, 2020, killing over 200 people and injuring 6,500+, devastating large parts of the city.
• 😀 Forensic Architecture used open-source materials like videos and photos to create a timeline and 3D model of the event to aid the investigation.
• 😀 The first photo of the warehouse on fire was uploaded at 5:54 pm, which was geolocated to determine the source of the smoke and to synchronize subsequent footage.
• 😀 The smoke plume's shape and color evolved over time, indicating a change in the materials burning inside the warehouse, particularly at 6:07 pm and 6:08 pm.
• 😀 At 6:08 pm, a large spherical plume of smoke appeared, suggesting a significant explosion, likely from a detonation of ammonium nitrate stored inside the warehouse.
• 😀 Four distinct smoke plumes were identified, each representing different stages of the fire, corresponding to the warehouse's layout and material storage.
• 😀 The fire escalated quickly, and fireworks and ammonium nitrate interacted dangerously, contributing to the eventual explosion. These materials were improperly stored together.
• 😀 Several warnings about the dangerous storage of ammonium nitrate were issued from 2014 to 2020, but the conditions continued to worsen over time.
• 😀 The warehouse stored not just ammonium nitrate, but also fireworks, car tires, and other combustible materials, creating a massive risk of catastrophic detonation.
• 😀 International safety standards for storing ammonium nitrate were violated, as the material was stored too close to combustible materials and too close to residential areas, constituting significant negligence.

Q & A

What was the cause of the explosion at the Port of Beirut on August 4, 2020?

The explosion was caused by the detonation of 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate stored in a warehouse. It was triggered by a fire that started in the warehouse, possibly exacerbated by the presence of fireworks, tires, and other combustible materials.

How did Forensic Architecture contribute to the investigation of the Beirut explosion?

Forensic Architecture used open-source data, including videos, photographs, and documents, to create a precise 3D model and timeline of the explosion. This model helped to analyze the sequence of events and understand the causes and effects of the disaster.

What key materials were stored in the warehouse, and why were they dangerous?

In addition to ammonium nitrate, the warehouse stored fireworks, car tires, ammonium phosphate, tea and coffee, and detonating cords. These materials are highly flammable and, when combined with ammonium nitrate, can create a highly explosive environment.

How did the presence of fireworks contribute to the explosion?

Fireworks ignited in the warehouse created a fire that spread rapidly. The explosives in the fireworks, combined with the confined space and the ammonium nitrate, likely triggered a large detonation, leading to the catastrophic explosion.

What role did the smoke plumes play in the investigation?

The distinct shapes and colors of the smoke plumes allowed investigators to trace the evolution of the fire and the materials involved. Different plumes indicated various stages of the fire and the substances burning at specific moments, helping to reconstruct the explosion's timeline.

What safety violations were found in the warehouse’s storage practices?

The storage of ammonium nitrate violated international safety regulations. The material was stored in large, unregulated stacks, with insufficient spacing between bags and combustible materials like fireworks and tires. This created a highly dangerous and volatile environment.

Why was the ammonium nitrate so dangerous in this specific case?

Ammonium nitrate is difficult to detonate by fire alone. However, when confined and contaminated with additives, such as those found in fireworks and other materials, it becomes highly sensitive and can lead to catastrophic explosions, as seen in the Beirut blast.

What were the warnings about the warehouse's safety conditions prior to the explosion?

Multiple warnings about the unsafe storage conditions of the ammonium nitrate were issued between 2014 and 2020. These included reports of torn bags and leaks, and concerns raised by port and customs officials, but no significant action was taken to mitigate the risks.

What is the significance of the 3D model and geolocated videos created by Forensic Architecture?

The 3D model and geolocated videos allowed investigators to pinpoint the exact location and timing of key events during the explosion. They provided critical insights into how the fire spread, the sequence of explosions, and the layout of the warehouse, helping to establish a detailed timeline of the incident.

What actions have victims’ families and survivors demanded after the explosion?

Victims’ families and survivors have called for an independent investigation into the explosion. They demand full accountability and public access to all relevant documents related to the incident, in hopes of uncovering the political and economic factors behind the disaster.