Updated

A powerful explosion has rocked the Lebanese capital, and ambulances are rushing to the scene.

The explosion in the upscale Verdun district on Sunday destroyed several cars and caused severe damage to one of Lebanon's biggest banks.

The nature of the blast was not immediately clear and there was no immediate word on casualties. The explosion occurred as residents sat down for iftar, the meal that breaks the daylong fast for observing Muslims during the holy month of Ramadan.