A devastating fire caused by a gas canister explosion ripped through a restaurant in Beirut on Tuesday, killing at least eight people, according to Lebanese authorities.
Firefighters confirmed the tragic toll, stating all eight victims died of suffocation inside the establishment.
The state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported that the blaze erupted after a gas leak triggered an explosion.
Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi visited the scene, echoing firefighters’ reports of eight fatalities caused by suffocation.
Meanwhile, Beirut lawmakers arrived to assess the damage. Member of Parliament Ibrahim Mneimneh raised concerns about safety standards at the restaurant, suggesting it “was not in line with public safety standards.”
Lebanon’s ongoing economic crisis, spiraling since late 2019, has exacerbated long-standing issues with public oversight across various sectors, particularly in regards to public safety.
This tragedy highlights the urgent need for improved regulations and enforcement to prevent similar disasters in the future.
