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An enormous fire broke out Thursday at the Port of Beirut, triggering panic amongst residents traumatised by final month’s large explosion there that killed and injured 1000’s of individuals.
It was not instantly clear what induced the fire at the ability, which was decimated by the August 4 explosion when almost 3,000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate detonated, triggering a shock wave explosion that blasted home windows, doorways and partitions miles away.
Also learn: US requires credible probe into ‘overwhelming’ Beirut blast
A column of black smoke billowed from the port at noon Thursday, with orange flames leaping from the bottom. The Lebanese military mentioned the fire is at a warehouse the place oil and tires are positioned within the obligation free zone at the port including that preventing the blaze is ongoing and that military helicopters are participating within the operation.
Panicked residents — nonetheless struggling to recover from final month’s catastrophic explosion — cracked open home windows and known as one another to warn them of the brand new fire. Local TV stations mentioned the businesses which have workplaces close to the port have requested their workers to depart the world. Lebanese troops closed the key highway that passes close to the port referring site visitors to different areas.
The August 4 explosion killed greater than 190 individuals, injured round 6,500 and broken 1000’s of buildings within the Lebanese capital. The sight of one other big fire a month later created panic amongst residents traumatized by final month’s explosion.
State-run National News Agency mentioned the fire was at a warehouse the place tires are positioned. It added that firefighters are coping with the blaze. Army helicopters have been participating in efforts to extinguish the fire.
A video circulating on social media confirmed staff at the port operating away in concern as quickly because the fire broke out, a chilling reminder of final month’s blast that killed dozens of port workers and 10 fire fighters.
Beirut Gov Marwan Abboud and authorities known as on individuals to avoid roads resulting in the port to permit fire engines to maneuver rapidly.
Police spokesman Col. Joseph Msalam mentioned they don’t have any details about what is going on at the port including that the ability is at the moment underneath management of the military.
Asked about stories that the fire was attributable to burning tires and oil, he mentioned: “I don’t know. It could be containers. I really don’t know what is there.” It was the second fire at the port this week. On Tuesday, a small fire erupted, additionally creating some panic, that was rapidly extinguished.
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