Seven Wounded in Fire at Dekwaneh Wood Factory

A fire broke out on Monday at a wood factory in the town of Dekwaneh north of Beirut, reported the National News Agency.

Civil Defense teams are working on dousing the blaze and saving the employees from the factory, which is located in the region's industrial city.

The Civil Defense later said that seven employees, suffering from suffocation, broken bones, and burns, were taken to hospitals for treatment.

One person is still missing in the fire.

MTV reported that a worker had jumped from a window to escape the blaze.

His condition is unknown.

In addition, Dekwaneh municipal chief Antoine Shakhtoura was transferred to Hotel Dieu Hospital after suffering from suffocation from the smoke, said Voice of Lebanon radio (93.3).

The fire continued to spread in the factory, reaching paint thinner tanks located on its roof.

Three of the tanks exploded soon after the fire reached them, said NNA.

Army helicopters have been called to help in the efforts to extinguish the flames.

The factory is owned by Khalil Matar, added NNA, noting that smoke from the fire had covered the area.

The cause of the blaze is yet to be determined.

M.T.

G.K.