Italian firefighters take samples near Beirut port

A team of 14 Italian firefighters who are experts in chemical and biological risks are taking samples from water in port of Beirut near site of this week's massive explosion.

team arrived in Beirut Thursday morning and are working with or firefighters from around Europe.

Rescue teams are searching rubble of Beirut's port for bodies nearly three days after a massive explosion sent a wave of destruction through Leban's capital, killing nearly 150 people and wounding thousands.

At least three more bodies have been recovered in last 24 hours, bringing death toll to 149 on Friday.

blast shredded a large grain silo, devastated neighborhoods near port and left several city blocks littered with glass and rubble.

blast was apparently caused by ignition of 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate that h been stored at port since 2013.

government has launched an investigation, as many Lebanese blame catastrophe on negligence and corruption.