BREAKING: MASSIVE explosion in Beirut, Lebanon shakes city to its core

According to LBCI Lebanon News, ambulance teams have begun transporting "hundreds of wounded people," with calls to donate blood in Beirut and suburban hospitals.

The Lebanese Health Minister told LBCI that the number of injuries is "very high." Additionally, the head of the Doctors ’Association asks all doctors to go to hospital emergencies.

Over 30 Red Cross teams have been deployed in the area to aid the injured.

The explosion took place some time around 6 pm, local time. The cause of the explosion is believed to be an unknown number of boats containing fireworks, which would have been used for weddings and other celebrations.

According to Joyce Karam, two explosions took place at the port in the last 15 minutes, with one taking place at a port, and one inside Beirut. The explosion took place near former Prime Minister Saad Hariri's residence in the downtown core.

Reports say that the former prime minister is safe. The Government Palace (Grand Serail) was damaged in the explosion, with reports that Prime Minister Hassan Diab's wife and daughter were "slightly injured."

The second explosion was the one that shook the city, destroying nearby property. Security sources in Beirut have told local media it’s a fireworks depot.

According to local news sources, Red Cross ambulances from all regions have made their way to Beirut, with the situation being described as "not normal in terms of damages and injuries." The Red Cross are reportedly "overwhelmed," transporting people in food trucks as ambulances run low.

The Hotel Dieu de France Hospital in Beirut, Lebanon has said that over 500 people have been brought to their hospital and are at full capacity. "Dozens" of surgeries are required.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated.