Audi Dealership Destroyed In The Beirut Explosion

It's been over a week since the explosion at the Beirut port in Lebanon, and the damage to the people, economy and the city at large is insurmountable. The extent of the destruction is devastatingly visible in the form of this Audi dealership that's been reduced to rubble in the aftermath. The image shared by Hildegard Wortmann - Member of the Board of Management of Audi AG for Marketing and Sales, shows the completely destroyed dealership surrounded by towers on either side with shattered glass. She further revealed that while the employees at the dealership are safe, many of them have lost their homes. Not just Audi but most auto dealerships and other businesses in areas close to the port have been destroyed due to the blast.

In a post on social media, Hildegard Wortmann wrote, "It is with great sorrow that I wish to express my deepest sympathy to our Audi team in Beirut and to everybody there who is suffering from this unbelievable tragedy. I have been in contact with Nabil Kettaneh, who is our Audi importer and partner in Beirut, immediately the morning after and so grateful to hear that everybody is safe while our dealership has been completely destroyed. Many of our team have lost their homes and their families have been impacted. Your grief is the grief of the whole Audi family worldwide. Our thoughts and compassion are with you and the victims' families. May strength and confidence be with you!"

The Audi dealer's parking lot shows heavily damaged vehicles that were to be delivered

In fact, images and videos which emerged on the internet further show massive destruction to the homes and cars. A video of what appears to be a dealership parking lot in the city shows damaged Audi vehicles that were ready to be delivered to customers, adding millions to the overall damage. Not just Audi, but other automakers have suffered equal levels of destruction. Carmakers including Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, Suzuki, Ford, Seat among others took to social media to show support for the city.

Not just Audi, other automakers have seen similar levels of destruction

The extent of damages as a result of the explosion has been estimated at about $10 billion so far and the number is only expected to go higher, according to a report by Bloomberg. As of August 11, the blast resulted in over 200 fatalities and 110 people are missing, with over 6000 injured. The explosion has also rendered over 200,000 people homeless or living with homes with shattered windows and doors. Beirut was also home to several refugees in the Middle-East that have once again been rendered homeless amidst the massive crisis.

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We're grateful for the generous gesture of our Ford family to support the Beirut relief efforts! We strongly invite all auto brands to join efforts & help support Lebanon to rise again! #TougherTogether #Ford #FordLebanon #ANB

A post shared by Ford Lebanon (@ford.lebanon) on Aug 11, 2020 at 4:40am PDT

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Beirut will rise again ???????? بيروت ستنهض مجددًا ???????? #Beirut #Hope #Beirutwillriseagain #PrayforBeirut #StayStrong #StayPositive

A post shared by Mercedes-Benz Lebanon (@mercedesbenzlb) on Aug 11, 2020 at 7:48am PDT

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Our hearts are with Beirut. Thank you to all those who are showing their support to the Lebanese community. As we strive to stand stronger, it is important to support those who need urgent help on the ground. Visit the Lebanese Red Cross online to find out more on how to support those directly impacted by the blast: link in bio

A post shared by Audi Lebanon (@audilebanon) on Aug 6, 2020 at 5:27am PDT

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Damaged, Injured and broken. But we are here to stay. Suzuki showrooms will remain open. #SuzukiLebanon #PrayForLebanon #WeAreHereToStay

A post shared by Suzuki Lebanon (@suzukilebanon) on Aug 6, 2020 at 2:25am PDT

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Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected, and may God grant us the patience and strength to overcome Beirut's devastating event. #PrayForBeirut ????????

A post shared by Saad & Trad - Jaguar Lebanon (@stjaguarlebanon) on Aug 11, 2020 at 2:01am PDT

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Despite it all we will rise again

A post shared by SEAT Lebanon (@seatlebanon) on Aug 5, 2020 at 11:58am PDT

Images Source: John Lopez UK on YouTube