New Delhi (NVI): A huge fire has broken out at Beirut’s port in Lebanon, triggering panic among residents traumatised by last month’s massive explosion that killed and injured thousands of people.
Thick black columns of smoke rose into the sky, as the blaze engulfed a warehouse storing oil and tyres. No casualties have been reported so far, according to media reports.
Firefighters are at the scene and helicopters have also been sent to help bring the fire under control.
Social media users posted video footage, which sparked alarm among Beirut residents only just recovering from the country’s deadliest peace-time disaster.
The sky has turned black again in Beirut. pic.twitter.com/8Z8OSVu4QD
— Liz Sly (@LizSly) September 10, 2020
“Insane fire at the port, causing a panic all across Beirut. We just can’t catch a break,” Human Rights Watch researcher Aya Majzoub wrote on Twitter.
Insane fire at the port, causing a panic all across #Beirut. We just can’t catch a break. pic.twitter.com/PtdHehPlz0
— Aya Majzoub (@Aya_Majzoub) September 10, 2020
The August 4 explosion of hundreds of tonnes of ammonium nitrate fertiliser at the port killed more than 190 people, wounded thousands and ravaged large parts of the capital.
The blast sparked widespread outrage after it emerged authorities had been aware of the presence of the huge stockpile, and prompted the government to resign.
-CHK
