The World - News from Aug. 14, 1986

A bomb exploded in Christian east Beirut commercial district today, and police said at least seven people were killed and 20 wounded. Police said that a sedan packed with 220 pounds of explosives blew up at a coffee shop about 100 yards from St. Joseph Hospital in the Dora neighborhood. Christian-controlled radio stations said the powerful explosion set several shops on fire. There were no immediate claims of responsibility. The explosion came as rival Christian militia factions were reported locked in renewed street battles in three other east Beirut districts.