At Least Eight People Die from Suffocation in Beirut Restaurant Fire Caused by Gas Leak
On Tuesday in Beirut, at least eight individuals lost their lives due to a fire caused by an explosion of a gas canister at a restaurant, according to Lebanese government minister Bassam Mawlawi and firefighters.
The Beirut Fire Brigade reported to the state-run National News Agency that the victims succumbed to suffocation inside the restaurant.
Firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze that ensued from a gas leak at the small restaurant.
Interior Minister Mawlawi inspected the site and confirmed the fatalities, which were also attributed to suffocation.
Parliament members representing Beirut, including Ibrahim Mneimneh, visited the scene and raised concerns about the restaurant's adherence to public safety standards.
Mneimneh stated that the accident highlighted the fact that the establishment was not in compliance with these regulations.
Lebanon's economy has been experiencing a significant downturn since late 2019, exacerbating existing issues with public oversight, particularly in the realm of public safety.