Beirut blast: Clashes occur as demonstrators hold anti-government protests

Clashes between protesters and Lebanese security forces took place as protesters held anti-government demonstrations in Beirut on Thursday.

Offices fired tear gas on several people near parliament. Protesters demonstrated as they were outraged by Tuesday’s blast.

The devastating explosion took place in Beirut in which at least 137 people were killed and around 5,000 were injured. Officials said that the explosion happened by 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate stored unsafely since 2013.

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Entire districts in Beirut were destroyed, homes and businesses were affected. 

State news agency said that the government had announced an investigation into the matter, 16 people have been taken into custody. 

Two officials have resigned. Earlier, French President Emmanuel Macron visited the city and said that Lebanon is required to see “profound change” from authorities. He called for an international investigation into the incident.

Rescue activities are underway as rescuers are trying to search for people in Beirut. Security forces have sealed off a wide area around the spot. 

A French rescue team is working in the city as it hoped there was still a good chance of searching for survivors. 

On the other hand, hospitals in the city are feeling the need for medical care for so many people. Health Minister Hamad Hassan said Lebanon’s health sector was short of beds, and the necessary equipment to treat injured people.

Beirut’s governor Marwan Aboud cautioned that as many as 300,000 people have been left homeless.

Lebanon was already dealing with coronavirus, the country is dealing with 3,628 active cases.