Lebanese government resigns over Beirut explosion

The Lebanese government has resigned following the explosion which rocked Beirut, the country’s capital.

A massive explosion rocked a part of the city on Tuesday, causing widespread damage to lives and properties.

Windows were shattered, cars tumbled and buildings collapsed during the incident.

According to Marwan Abboud, Beirut governor, the death toll from the blast has risen to 200, while about 6,000 persons sustained injuries.

Officials linked the blast to about 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate that were being stored in a warehouse at the port since they were confiscated six years ago.

The governor had revealed that a security report from 2014 warned of the possibility of an explosion in Beirut as highly explosive materials were not stored in a way to ensure public safety.

Hassan Diab, Lebanese prime minister, attributed the explosion to “endemic corruption” in the country.

Speaking on national TV on Monday, Diab announced his resignation as well as those of some ministers — one-third of the cabinet.

He said the resignation is in line with “heeding people’s demand for real change”.

“Today, we follow the will of the people in their demand to hold accountable those responsible for the disaster that has been in hiding for seven years, and their desire for real change,” he said.