Beirut still at risk: 20 chemical containers continuing to flow

Chemical experts and firemen are working to secure at least 20 more potentially dangerous containers of chemicals in the destroyed port of Beirut.

A member of the French team found out one of the containers is running.

Several containers erupted on August 4th, said Lieutenant Anthony, a French chemical expert who does not have the authority to say his full name in line with government policy.

French and Italian chemical experts have so far identified more than 20 containers with dangerous chemicals, Anthony said.

We've observed containers with a chemical risk label and then we've seen one of the container leaks,” he explained the Associated Press.

Experts are working with Lebanese firefighters to secure all containers and analyse their contents.

Anthony didn't say what the chemicals were and he didn't give any more details.

Lebanese officials have not commented on possible chemical risks in the port.

There are also other flammable liquids in other containers. There are batteries and other types of products that can increase the risk of a possible” explosion, Anthony said.

An explosion last Tuesday killed at least 160 people and injured some 6,000.

The blast is believed to have been caused by a fire that broke out the uncertain reserves of 2,750 ammonium nitrates that have remained in port since 2013, despite numerous warnings of danger.

Chemical experts are part of a French team that arrived in Lebanon to help search dead bodies, care for the wounded and clean the town after the blast.

In addition, 50 French police officers are also in Beirut to determine what happened.