SALT LAKE CITY — After an explosion in Beirut that killed more than 135 people and injured some 5,000 on Tuesday, the Middle East/Africa North Area Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued the following statement:
“On behalf of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we extend our heartfelt sympathies to each person impacted by the explosion in Beirut on 4 August 2020. We grieve the loss of life and extend our sincere condolences to the families and friends of those who died. We pray that God will bless the injured and pour out peace and comfort on all who are mourning in Lebanon and around the world at this time.”
The statement was signed by the area president, Elder Anthony D. Perkins, and his counselors, Elders Randy D. Funk and Jeffrey H. Singer. It was released late Wednesday night, Utah time.
The explosion was caused by 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate stored unsafely in a warehouse, said Lebanon President Michel Aoun, according to the BBC.
The BBC said 137 are dead and dozens are missing. As many as 300,000 are homeless because of the staggering blast that rocked the city, which is now in a two-week state of emergency as rescue teams expressed optimism they still will find missing survivors in the rubble.