Gogglebox Australia star Jad Nehmetallah has revealed his aunt has been injured in the horrific explosion that rocked the Lebanese capital Beirut this morning.
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An explosion in the city of Beirut has reportedly killed 78 people and injured 4,000 after a massive store of ammonium nitrate exploded in a warehouse.
Taking to Instagram Lebanese-Australian restaurant owner and TV star, Jad, revealed his aunt had been caught up in disaster.
“My Aunty is injured in hospital. Her apartment heavily damaged. My friends apartments & businesses have been damaged. It’s killing me to not be able to go over there to help those in need,” he wrote.
“2020 seems like a long nightmare as I woke up this morning to some heavy hearted news.. Beirut suffered an “explosion”. An explosion so big it shook half the city from miles away.”
Jad also revealed if it had not been for COVID travel restriction he too would have been in Lebanon when the tragic event struck, and possibly in similar condition.
“This has impacted me personally. I should’ve of been in Lebanon right now & to know the explosion was in the same area I stay in shook me harder.”
“My go to gym, coffee shops, barber & restaurants are gone.”
Prime Minister Scott Morrison confirmed this morning one Australian is amongst causalities and the country’s embassy had been “impacted significantly” in the explosion.
It is the most powerful explosion to hit the city, which is accustomed to earthquakes given its location, in years.
It is said the blast could be felt in the island nation of Cyprus, more than 160km away.
Lebanon’s President Michel Aoun has declared three days of national mourning.
Officials are working to clear the rubble, however, they expect the death toll to rise as they continue their rescue efforts.