The death toll in the explosion in the port of Beirut has risen to 50, Health Minister Hamad Hassan told reporters, expressing concern that the death toll could rise, CNN reports.

Hassan said at least 2,750 people were injured in a huge blast that rocks the capital.

The Lebanese Interior Ministry note that explosive ammonium nitrate had exploded in the port of Beirut. According to some reports, a short circuit happened in the warehouse, which caused a fire, as a result of which the saltpeter exploded.