UPDATE - Fire extinguished at power station in Beirut after explosion

UPDATES WITH DOUSING OF FIRE, CHANGES HEADLINE, EDITS THROUGH

By Naim Burjawi

BEIRUT, Lebanon (AA) - Lebanese firefighters have managed to extinguish a fire that erupted at one of the main power stations in Lebanon’s capital following a loud explosion.

The fire broke out late Tuesday at the station in the Qasqas area of Beirut, according to an Anadolu Agency reporter.

Firefighting teams rushed to the location and proceeded to put out the flames.

Eyewitnesses told Anadolu Agency that they heard an explosion throughout the area, where the station is located, before the fire broke out.

There were no reports of injuries.

Lebanese authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the incident.

On Sunday, at least 28 people were killed and scores injured when an oil storage tank exploded in the Akkar region in northern Lebanon.

Lebanon is facing a severe economic crisis, with the local currency losing nearly all of its value against the dollar, and streets witnessing massive protests and rallies.

The Arab country has been unable to form a new administration since the resignation of Hassan Diab's Cabinet on Aug. 10, 2020, six days after the massive Beirut port blast.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar in Ankara