Lebanese authorities have said at least 80 people have been killed and more than 4,000 wounded in a massive explosion at the port in the capital, Beirut.
The explosion occurred on the Tuesday 04th of August, 2020.
The explosion sent shockwaves across the city, causing widespread damage even on the outskirts of the capital.
The cause of the explosion was not immediately clear.
Report has it that the explosion is linked to some 2,700 tonnes of confiscated ammonium nitrate that were being stored in a warehouse at the port for six years.
I will not rest until we find the person responsible for what happened, to hold him accountable and impose the most severe penalties
Prime Minister Hassan Diab
Diab said it was “unacceptable” that a shipment of ammonium nitrate estimated at 2,750 tons had been in warehouse for six years without “preventive measures” to protect it.
The chemical compound, which is commercially available, is used widely in fertilizers and explosives.
It wasn’t clear what ignited the shipment, but at least 4,000 people were injured and 100 others were killed, the secretary-general of the Lebanese Red Cross, George Kettana, told Lebanese broadcaster LBCI on Wednesday. The number of casualties could rise — some of the injuries are serious and some people are still trapped under rubble, Kettana said.
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After the council meeting at the Baabda presidential palace, which was also attended by Prime Minister Hassan Diab; an investigation committee was tasked to say who was responsible for the blast within five days.
It was reported that the families of victims will be paid compensation.
Import traffic will also be routed to the Tripoli port in northern Lebanon.
Beirut Explosion: UNIFIL ship damaged
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said one of its ships docked at the port was damaged in the explosion, leaving a number of its personnel wounded, including some in critical condition.
UNIFIL said it was transporting the wounded peacekeepers to the nearest hospitals and was assessing the situation, including the scale of the impact on its personnel.
We are with the people and the Government of Lebanon during this difficult time and stand ready to help and provide any assistance and support
Major General Del Col, UNIFIL head of mission and force commander
Beirut is in a state of shock, fear and terror.
Let’s all put Beirut and it’s people in our prayers and offer them our support.
chidera Nwabueze, Nigerian sailor.
There are Regulations and Laws as to the Storage of Dangerous goods and chemicals in Port. This should be looked into.
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