At least nine killed after gas explosion at restaurant traps people inside
A blast at a crowded restaurant involving gas cylinders caused a fire that took the lives of at least nine people in Beirut, Lebanon, this evening.
Videos shared by the city's fire department depict thick smoke rising from Pizza Secrets on Bechara El Khoury Street.
Captain Ali Negm informed Al-Araby Al-Jadeed that it seems two gas canisters exploded inside, leading to a fire that trapped eight individuals indoors. "They perished due to suffocation," stated the captain.
Imad Ahmed Shuqair from Mays al-Jabal, Aya Hassan Marmar from Ansar, Walid Muhammad Dankour from Kafr Benin, Hassan Harmoush from Baalbek-Hermel, and Ali Musa Jab were among the fatalities.
Local residents and bystanders gathered on the street to observe firefighters combating the flames, concerned that the fire might spread to neighboring government offices, eateries, and stores in the heavily populated city center.
The restaurant's sign was severely damaged by the fire, leaving only the letter 'a' in "pizza" and 'ts' in "secrets" intact.
In an 8 p.m. social media update, fire authorities mentioned two injured individuals and eight victims who succumbed to suffocation within the restaurant. Al-Araby Al-Jadeed insiders reported that the death toll has since climbed to nine, with four others sustaining injuries.
Survivors of the blaze are receiving medical care at Al-Rum Hospital and Rizk Hospital.
Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi inspected the scene and confirmed that a criminal investigation would be launched, as reported by the Lebanese government's National News Agency.
Parliament member Ibrahim Mneimneh, accompanying Mawlawi at the scene, questioned the restaurant's adherence to safety standards. He remarked, "This incident indicates that this establishment did not comply with public safety regulations."
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