Lebanon PM Diab says 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate at site of Beirut blasts
Conflicting reports have emerged over what caused the deadly blasts in Beirut on Tuesday, but Lebanon’s interior minister said that ammonium nitrate was at the storage facility in the Port of Beirut, and later confirmed by Prime Minister Hassan Diab.
Interior Minister Mohammed Fahmi referred questions to the country’s Customs Department as to why such material was stored there.
For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.
About 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate were stored in the warehouse that exploded Tuesday, devastating large parts of the Lebanese capital, Diab said.
"It is unacceptable that a shipment of 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate has been present for six years in a warehouse, without taking preventive measures," he said at a defense council meeting, a spokesman told a press conference.
"It is unacceptable and we cannot remain silent on this issue."
An investigation has been ordered into the explosions, which resulted in a massive mushroom cloud above the country. Lebanon’s head of General Security Abbas Ibrahim told reporters earlier that “highly explosive materials” that were confiscated “a while back” were stored at the site of the explosion.
- With AFP
-
Lebanon’s PM vows to make officials ‘pay the price’ after Beirut explosions
Lebanon’s Prime Minister Hassan Diab vowed to hold certain officials responsible for the explosions that took place in Beirut earlier ... Middle East -
Damaged Lebanon hospitals treating patients in parking lots after Beirut blasts
Hospitals in Lebanon’s capital have been forced to treat patients in parking lots after multiple explosions damaged hospitals and left a big part of ... Middle East -
France offers Lebanon assistance after Beirut explosions
French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Tuesday that France stood “alongside Lebanon” and was ready to help it after the powerful explosions ... Middle East