Updated: July 09, 2013, 12:00 AM
In pictures: Beirut explosion
Firefighters and residents gather at the site of an explosion in Beirut's southern suburb neighbourhood of Bir al-Abed on July 9, 2013. A car bomb rocked Beirut's Hezbollah stronghold in the southern suburbs, which is populated mainly by Shiite Muslims, Lebanese television channels reported. AFP PHOTO/STR *** Local Caption *** 517916-01-08.jpg
A firefighter is helped as he extinguishes fire at the site of the car bombing in Beirut's Bir Al Abed. AFP
The powerful blast in the bustling commercial and residential neighbourhood is the worst explosion to hit the area in years AFP
At least 15 people were wounded in the explosion. Reuters
The blast was in a parking area near the Co-op, a supermarket usually packed with shoppers, and a petrol station. Reuters
The area is near what is known as Hizbollah’s “security square� where many of the party’s officials live and have offices. Reuters