Beirut blast: Death toll rises to 154; 6,000 injured

BEIRUT

The death toll from a huge blast in Lebanon rose to 154, the country’s health minister confirmed Friday.

Hamad Hasan told state-run National News Agency that thousands were injured Tuesday in the blast at the Port of Beirut and there were many in need of medical treatment.

He said 120 casualties are currently in critical condition and others require delicate surgeries.

Deputy health minister Riza al-Musav told Anadolu Agency the number injured has reached 6,000.

He said search operations for missing people are still being conducted and the death toll could increase.

A fire at a warehouse at the Port of Beirut led to a huge blast causing massive property damage in several neighborhoods in the capital.

The Lebanese government announced the formation of an investigation committee to probe the deadly incident within a period of five days.

The blast rocked Lebanon while the country is experiencing its worst economic crisis, including a dramatic drop in the value of the pound against the dollar.