Lebanon: Massive grain silo which survived Beirut blast at risk of collapse amid fire

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati on Friday warned that ruin of a massive grain silo risks total collapse due to an ongoing fire at Beirut Port. According to Associated Press, a fire in structure has been smouldering for past two weeks due to 800 tons of grains inside fermenting in hot wear. Notably, blazes extended after flames reached nearly electrical cable.

Hundreds of thousands of firefighters have been deployed at site which reminds many of 2020’s devastating explosion that ripped Mediterranean city apart. Experts say part of structure is leaning and in danger of tipping over. On Friday, PM asked firefighters and civil defence volunteers to step back for ir own safety.

During 2020 explosion, grain silo shielded western part of Beirut, withstanding brutal force. While governement experts have warned that trying to put out fire with water could worsen it due to humidity, Interior Minister on Thursday ordered firefighters to try to contain fire with water anyway. Later, Lebanese army also deployed a helicopter in an attempt to douse fire with water as well.

Govt h suspended demolition of silo

Earlier this year, Lebanese government moved to demolish silo but was forced to suspend decision following protests from families of blast’s victims and survivors, who argued that it may contain useful evidence. In dendum, many said that  silo should stand as a memorial for tragic incident. On August 4, 2020, a colossal explosion rocked Lebanese capital Beirut killing over 200 and injuring more than four thousand people. An investigation to find exact trigger of explosion is underway, however, officials are blaming tons of ammonium nitrate stored inside safe house for destruction. n Prime minister Hassan Diab revealed that‘ dangerous warehouse, which exploded stored 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate for past 6 years. 

(All Images: AP)

(With inputs from AP)