Beirut, Lebanon – In August three and a half years ago, a day that started like any other for Ghazal and her 18 colleagues ended in a miraculous escape from a devastating explosion. As Ghazal recounts the events of that fateful day, she reflects on the narrow sequence of events that spared her life, a moment-by-moment survival story of being just 900 meters away from the explosion site at the port.
Ghazal vividly recalls the moment she delayed leaving the office, an action that unknowingly saved her from being caught in the midst of the explosion. Reviewing security footage from the office, she watched herself crouching to withdraw cash from a safe mere seconds before the blast. As debris and chaos engulf the surroundings, Ghazal’s split-second decision to stand up likely saved her from being crushed by the safe door, showcasing the randomness of survival during such catastrophic events.
The explosion, triggered by a warehouse fire containing over 3,000 tons of ammonium nitrate, reverberated across Lebanon and neighboring countries, leaving destruction in its wake. Amid the chaos, Ghazal instinctively reached for cash and passports, a common practice in times of crisis in Lebanon. The sound of a warplane in the vicinity added to the prevailing sense of unease, highlighting the pervasive impact of living in a region marked by conflict and instability.
Following the blast, Ghazal’s first instinct was to reach out to her family, reassuring her husband and three children of her safety. In the aftermath, confusion and rumors ran rampant, with initial speculation of targeted bombings or attacks giving way to the realization of a tragic accident at Warehouse 12. For Ghazal and many others impacted by the explosion, the experience serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the unpredictable nature of unforeseen disasters.
Despite the devastation wrought by the explosion, Ghazal’s survival stands as a testament to chance and circumstance in the face of tragedy. Her story encapsulates the harrowing experience of being on the brink of disaster, only to emerge unscathed by a twist of fate. In the aftermath of such a cataclysmic event, Ghazal’s resilience and gratitude for her survival offer a glimpse of hope amidst the wreckage, a reminder of the strength found in the midst of chaos and destruction.