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BEIRUT, LEBANON – A massive fire engulfed a critical infrastructure facility belonging to the Lebanese Ministry of Telecommunications in the Dekwayneh area of Beirut, triggering concerns over potential disruptions to communication services in the already-stressed city.
According to eyewitnesses and local officials, the blaze, which authorities have attributed to a technical malfunction, is reported to have started at approximately 2:47 PM local time. Witnesses described a significant cloud of smoke billowing into the air as emergency responders rushed to contain the fire.
“It was chaos,” said a local resident, who wished to remain anonymous, recounting the scene. “People were screaming and shouting, trying to get away from the fire. It was like nothing I’ve ever seen before.”
Emergency services were swift to respond, with multiple units arriving at the scene to battle the flames, which were reportedly fueled by highly flammable materials stored within the warehouse. By 5:00 PM local time, fire crews had largely contained the blaze, with efforts now focused on extinguishing any remaining hotspots.
“We are working hard to stabilize the situation and restore order,” said a spokesperson for Beirut’s civil defense department, adding that “a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire has been launched and will be released as soon as possible.”
The blaze has prompted concerns that communication services in the wider region may be disrupted, particularly given the facility’s importance to Lebanon’s telecommunications infrastructure. The ministry, which is responsible for overseeing Lebanon’s telecommunications sector, has confirmed that the warehouse housed critical infrastructure and equipment.
“We understand that the warehouse housed essential communication equipment and that we are working to minimize any disruptions,” said a ministry spokesperson, adding that “our top priority is to ensure the continued functioning of our critical communications infrastructure to support the vital needs of the Lebanese people.”
As investigations into the cause of the blaze continue, it remains to be seen what impact the fire will have on Lebanon’s already-challenged communication networks. However, it is clear that the incident has raised concerns for citizens and business owners in the country who rely on reliable connectivity to carry out their daily lives.