Beirut explosion: 16 people arrested over Lebanon port blast
Lebanese authorities have arrested 16 individuals as part of an investigation into the Beirut port warehouse explosion that devastated the capital on Tuesday, according to state media.
Judge Fadi Akiki, a government representative at the military court, said authorities had so far questioned more than 18 port and customs officials and individuals responsible for or involved in maintenance work at the warehouse housing highly explosive material that blew up.
“Sixteen people have been taken into custody as part of the investigation,” said Mr Akiki, without naming the individuals. He said the investigation was continuing.
Tuesday’s blast killed at least 137 people and injured about 5,000 others, while dozens are still missing.
Lebanese president Michel Aoun says the explosition was caused by 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, which had been stored unsafely in a port warehouse.
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