Woman Gives Birth After Beirut Blast Rips Through Hospital

A woman gave birth to a boy in near darkness at a hospital in Beirut, Lebanon, moments after an explosion rocked the city on August 4. Baby George was delivered safely, despite staff working in the damaged building and without electricity.

The blast, which killed dozens and injured thousands on Tuesday, caused severe damage to medical centers and other buildings in the area. Many suffered power outages, forcing doctors and nurses to treat patients in parking lots and use their phone lights to work.

This footage shows the moment the explosion rocks a nearby hospital, as medical staff prepare a woman for labour.

“Yesterday My son George was Born under a catastrophic blast! It was crazy! I did not believe we came out alive. My wife is great and Baby George is amazing!,” father Eddy Khnaisser said in a social media post.

“I would like to Thank Dr. Elie Anistasiades, Dr. Lara, Dr. Stephanie Yaacoub, Dr. Marianne, Dr. Rita, Dr. Marie Therese Eid. Huge appreciation to St. George Hospital team, who stayed with us until we were safe, and even afterwards.” Credit: Eddy Khnaisser via Storyful