Explosion rocks Southern Beirut, several dead

Several people have been killed and dozens injured after an explosion hit the southern suburbs of Beirut on Tuesday morning.

The blast took place on Arid Street, the same busy commercial street that was targeted by a deadly suicide car bombing in early January.

Initial reports have put the death toll at four, with at least 27 people injured, according to Lebanese National News Agency.

Al Manar TV channel said their initial reports suggested the explosion was the result of a suicide bomber. Other channels reported the explosion was the result of a car packed with explosives and that the remains of the suicide were found strewn across the area.

Large plumes of smoke could be seen rising above the southern suburbs, and huge crowds gathered around the explosion site as emergency services attempted to remove those wounded from the area.