Video: Beirut Explosion from Closest Proximity

Al Arabiya has published a video captured at close range of the powerful explosion that occurred in the port of Beirut, Lebanon. The footage shown below was recorded from a balcony of a residential building across from the port.

"My God, what was that? I hope no one was hurt. Will this fire be extinguished?" says the videographer after the first relatively small explosion heard at the port. He then jokes with a man next to him, claiming that they are the only survivors who managed to film the incident.

Moments later, a second powerful explosion is heard. Judging by the footage, the shockwave from the explosion was so strong that it threw both men backward, and the phone with the recording camera fell to the ground.