The Australian Beirut Explosion Victim Has Been Identified As Two-Year-Old Isaac Oehlers
"Isaac was two and will be deeply missed by family and friends."
The Australian victim of the recent Beirut explosion has been identified as two-year-old Isaac Oehlers.
Following the horrific explosion in Beirut last week that killed over 150 people and destroyed half of the city, it was reported that one Australian had lost their life in the incident. Tragically, this has now been confirmed to have been two-year-old Isaac Oehlers, who is reportedly the youngest victim of the blast. In a statement released via the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, his family spoke about the sudden death.
“We are heartbroken by the sudden and tragic loss of our beautiful boy following the disaster in Beirut. Isaac was two and will be deeply missed by family and friends. The family would like to thank everyone who has offered comfort and support to us, and would like to express our condolences to everyone in Lebanon who is suffering from this devastating tragedy. We request that the media respects our privacy at this difficult time.”
An Australian toddler has been identified as the youngest victim of the Beirut blast. Two-year-old Isaac Oehlers is being remembered by his family as a beautiful boy. https://t.co/QR7mYFLw3v #Beirut #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/OBwFztoL4A
— 7NEWS Perth (@7NewsPerth) August 8, 2020
The explosions were set off in a port warehouse where 2,750 metric tons of highly explosive ammonium nitrate had been stored. The number of people injured in the blast exceeds 5000, and it seems as though the death toll will unfortunately rise, with people still unaccounted for. Additionally, hundreds of thousands and people have been left homeless.
The tragic incident has impacted many people in Australia, with the Lebanese community left heartbroken and with deep concern about friends and family living in Lebanon. Here’s some ways you can help the many victims of the blast in Beirut, from Australia.