More Explosives Found, Life Detected as Beirut Blast Investigation Continues
The explosion that ripped through Beirut more than a month ago left death and destruction in its wake, killing nearly 200 people and injuring 6,000. But the investigation of the Aug. 4 blast is not yet over, and new discoveries about its potential origin as well as new signs of life have been revealed.
Thursday, Lebanese military discovered more than four tons of ammonium nitrate, a highly explosive chemical, near the port in Beirut, Fox News reports. The explosives were found in four containers after army experts were called in for an inspection.
The military also said army experts were “dealing with the material,” a probable reference to it being destroyed, according to an army statement from the state news agency NNA.
Also on Thursday, Lebanese rescue workers reported signs of life in the rubble of a collapsed building in the Gemmayze area of the city, according to france24.com.
Rescue worker Eddy Bitar told reporters a team with a rescue dog detected movement. “These [signs of breathing and pulse] along with the temperature sensor mean there is a possibility of life,” he told reporters.
French investigators along with the FBI are assisting in the blast investigation at the request of Lebanese authorities, who have detained 25 people to date, reports Fox News. {eoa}
