Lebanese authorities have launched an investigation into the deadly Beirut blast, with port workers detained and assets of port and customs managers frozen. A fire is believed to have ignited the stored explosives.
The deadly explosion created a crater and caused billions in damage to Beirut's portImage: 2020 Maxar Technologies/via Reuters
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Lebanese authorities detained 16 Beirut port staff members on Thursday as part of an investigation into what caused the massive explosion at a warehouse that ripped through Lebanon's capital.
Military prosecutor Fadi Akiki said in a statement that 18 port and customs officials, along with warehouse maintenance workers, were called in for questioning. Two have since been released.
"Investigations are continuing to include all other suspects, in order to clarify all the facts related to this disaster," Akiki said, adding that the investigation is being carried out under the supervision of the Lebanese Army and Lebanon's Internal Security Forces Information Division.
Lebanon's central bank has also ordered an asset freeze for seven port and customs officials, including the head of Lebanon's customs authority Badri Daher and Beirut Port General Manager Hassan Koraytem.
Investigators said Tuesday's blast was triggered by a fire that ignited 2,750 tons of highly explosive ammonium nitrate that was stored without proper safety measures in a warehouse at the port.
At least 137 people were killed and 5,000 injured. Beirut's port was destroyed, causing up to $15 billion (€12.6 billion) in damage.
On Thursday during a visit to Beirut, French President Emmanuel Macron called for an independent, internationally coordinated investigation into the explosion.
At the request of Lebanon's Interpol office, Cyprus police on Thursday questioned Igor Grechushkin, the Russian businessman who owned the Rhosus, the ship that carried the explosive chemicals to Beirut in 2013.
A police spokesman said that Grechushkin, who lives on the Mediterranean Island 240 kilometres (149 miles) from Lebanon, was not detained.
The spokesman said Grechushkin was questioned about the cargo on board the Rhosus, which was sailing from Georgia to Mozambique loaded with 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate. Grechushkin has not issued a public statement.
After a stopping in Beirut, the Rhosus was prevented from sailing further due to technical defects, and the ammonium nitrate was offloaded to a warehouse at the port.
In pictures: Beirut blast aftermath — destruction, chaos and protests
A powerful explosion rocked the Lebanese capital of Beirut, killing at least 150 people and injuring thousands more. Residents have taken to the streets to demand government reforms and resignations over the blast.
Image: Getty Images/D. Carde
Panic in Beirut
Two immense blasts shook Beirut and the surrounding areas of the Lebanese capital, prompting panic as residents rushed to safety. "I have never in my life seen a disaster this big," Beirut's governor told local TV.
Image: Reuters/M. Azakir
Blasts felt in city's outskirts
The explosions, centered in Beirut's port region, were felt throughout the capital. Even residents in the city's outskirts reported hearing the blast, with some saying their windows were shattered.
Image: Reuters/K. Sokhn
Dozens killed, thousands injured
Lebanon's Health Ministry said at least 100 people were killed and more than 4,000 others were injured.
Image: Reuters/M. Azakir
'Unacceptable' ammonium nitrate stock
Prime Minister Hassan Diab said that a large stockpile of 2,750 metric tons of ammonium nitrate in a warehouse at the port had caused the second, larger explosion. "It is unacceptable that a shipment of 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate has been present for six years in a warehouse, without taking preventive measures," Diab said.
Image: Getty Images/AFP/STR
Race to save survivors
More than 30 Red Cross teams raced to the scene, with many locals lending a hand to aid rescue efforts. Hospitals warned that they were quickly filled beyond capacity — and called for blood donations as well as generators to help keep the electricity on.
Image: picture-alliance/AA/H. Shbaro
Felt as far away as Cyprus
The blasts struck with the force of a 3.5 magnitude earthquake, according to Germany's
geosciences center GFZ. Residents in Cyprus, some 110 miles (180 km) across the sea from Beirut, reported hearing and feeling the blast.
Image: Getty Images/AFP/STR
People are 'asking for their loved ones'
DW's Bassel Aridi said people were using social media to try to track down their loved ones after the explosions. Aridi also visited a hospital in Beirut after the blasts. "What I saw in the hospital was so dramatic. All the hospitals have announced that they are totally overloaded."
Image: picture-alliance/AP Photo/H. Ammar
Two-week state of emergency
Lebanese authorities fear many more people are buried beneath rubble. President Michel Aoun scheduled an emergency Cabinet meeting for Wednesday and said a two-week state of emergency should be declared.
Image: Getty Images/AFP/STR
Lebanon faces double-blow
The devastating blasts come as Lebanon experiences severe economic turbulence, with many people taking to the streets in recent months to protest the financial situation. Prime Minister Hassan Diab declared that Wednesday would be a national day of mourning for the victims of the explosion.
Image: Getty Images/D. Carde
Protesters demand reforms and resignations
Thousands of protesters took to the streets four days after the explosion, blaming the blast on government corruption and mismanagement boiling. Protesters demanded government resignations and fresh elections, with many occupying government ministries. Police responded with tear gas.
Image: Reuters/G. Tomasevic
First resignation
Information Minister Manal Abdel Samad became the first government minister to resign in the wake of the blast, five days after it took place. "After the enormous Beirut catastrophe, I announce my resignation from government," she said in a statement carried by local media. She apologized to the people of Beirut for failing them.
Image: Getty Images/AFP
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As investigators have placed their focus on port officials, many Lebanese have blamed the explosion squarely on the political elite, corruption and mismanagement by the authorities . On Thursday, dozens of Beirut residents vented their frustration by pelting security forces with stones and setting tires on fire.
For over a decade, officials, watchdog groups and Lebanese media have warned about widespread corruption plaguing the Port of Beirut, including allegations that bribery and hiding of merchandise from custom duties or taxes had taken place.
