A huge explosion has shaken the Lebanese capital of Beirut as the city awaits the verdict of a trial over the murder of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, the BBC reports.
The explosion took place over the city's port area, and there have been additional unconfirmed reports of a second blast.
In pictures and videos posted online, a large mushroom cloud over the city and extensive damage can be seen.
The trial of four suspects in Hariri's death by a car bomb in 2005 was due to be issued by a UN tribunal.
The suspects are members of the Iranian-backed Hezbollah group, which has consistently denied any involvement in the former PM's death.
The verdict was due to be reached by the tribunal on Friday.
The alleged second explosion is reported to have taken place at the Hariri residence.
The country's health minister has said that there many injuries and damages have been caused by the incident.
The cause of the blast is currently unknown, but a witness has been reported to have described it as deafening.
The country is currently experiencing political tension because of its economic crisis, which is the worst 1975-1990 civil war, prompting widespread street demonstrations.