An anti-Syrian MP is among at least six people killed in an explosion in Beirut's waterfront area.
An anti-Syrian MP is among at least six people killed in an explosion in Beirut's waterfront area.
Walid Eido died in the blast, in the Manara neighbourhood, his party's television station and officials said.
Walid Eido died in the blast, in the Manara neighbourhood, his party's television station and officials said.
At least 10 other people were wounded, emergency services said.
At least 10 other people were wounded, emergency services said.
The blast follows a series of bombings and grenade attacks in the city, as troops continue to fight Palestinian militants in the north of the country.
The blast follows a series of bombings and grenade attacks in the city, as troops continue to fight Palestinian militants in the north of the country.
Future TV said Mr Eido, one of his sons and two bodyguards were killed.
Future TV said Mr Eido, one of his sons and two bodyguards were killed.
Television pictures from the scene showed plumes of black smoke and wrecked cars.
Smoke and debris
Debris was shown scattered across a wide area, with windows of surrounding buildings blown out by the blast.
The explosion took place at 1730 (1430 GMT) in a side street between two popular beach resorts, the Long Beach and the Sporting Club.
Television pictures from the scene showed wreckage strewn across a wide area.
The smouldering, upturned remains of at least one vehicle could be seen amid chunks of debris and shattered glass blown out from surrounding buildings.
A large black plume of smoke was visible rising from the site of the blast.
The BBC's Kim Ghattas in Beirut says there was chaos and panic while rescue workers and fire trucks tried to get to the area.
It is the sixth explosion in just four weeks in Lebanon. Two people were killed in the previous blasts, all caused by bombs.
Are you in the area? Did you see or hear the blast? If you have any information you would like to share with the BBC you can do so using the form below:
Are you in the area? Did you see or hear the blast? If you have any information you would like to share with the BBC you can do so using the form below:
