Chaos Erupts at Lebanon Funeral After Walkie-Talkie Explosion

An ABC News team, led by correspondent Marcus Moore, was caught in the chaotic aftermath of a devastating explosion in Beirut on Wednesday. The explosion occurred just a day after a shocking incident where multiple pagers exploded in the hands of people, leading to numerous injuries.

On the same day as the explosion, grieving family members gathered to mourn four victims killed in the previous day’s pager blasts. The funeral took place in the Dahieh district, a stronghold of Hezbollah in southern Beirut, when the powerful detonation jolted the area.

The scene was one of utter chaos, with screams and desperate cries filling the air. Panic set in as people tried to comprehend the terrifying reality unfolding before them. Witnesses described the harrowing moments immediately following the explosion, filled with fear and confusion.

Amid the distress, a man emerged severely injured, his hands nearly obliterated. He collapsed on the ground in agony, showcasing the devastating impact of the explosion. The ground bore the blackened marks where he had stood moments before.

In a scene of desperation, various individuals rushed to help the wounded, including what appeared to be a security guard, who brandished a handgun as he ran towards the injured. The atmosphere was charged with panic, as bystanders fled for safety, none fully understanding the gravity of the situation.

At the time, the ABC News crew did not realize that the explosion they witnessed was part of a series of simultaneous blasts throughout Beirut. Video footage captured by the team reveals the magnitude of the chaos, with multiple explosions occurring across the city.

In total, the new explosions on Wednesday resulted in at least 20 fatalities, with around 450 others injured, as reported by the Lebanese Ministry of Health. This tragic occurrence compounded the prior day’s devastation, which had already claimed the lives of twelve, including two children aged 8 and 11, and left approximately 2,800 people injured. Many victims from the initial blasts suffered facial and eye injuries, along with damage to their hands and fingers.

Reports now confirm that Israel was behind the explosions involving pagers that shook Lebanon on Tuesday. The implications of these attacks have stirred significant unrest, prompting a fierce response from Hezbollah. The group has publicly vowed to seek vengeance, stating, “This is another reckoning that will come, God willing.”

The situation remains tense as the community grapples with the aftermath of the violence. Both local and international observers are closely monitoring developments, recognizing the potential for further escalation in an already volatile region.