BEIRUT, Dec 27 (KUNA) -- A fiery blast rocked downtown Beirut on Friday sending black plumes of smoke into the skies and leaving the scene and nearby streets and spots littered with smoldering debris of wrecked cars and properties.
Lebanese official media said the blast that happened in front of a bank was caused by a vehicle packed with explosives.
TV footages showed at least three dead bodies and injured persons with blood oozing from their faces being whisked away from the horrific scene.
Security personnel, medics and civil defense teams raced to the scene to aid the victims.
Lebanon has often witnessed such incidents.
Today's explosion is not too far from the site where the former premier, Rafic Al-Hariri, was assassinated in identical circumstances. (end) ayb.rk KUNA 271125 Dec 13NNNN