Caretaker Industry Minister George Bouchikian visits the scene of a factory fire in Nabatieh. (Credit: NNA)
BEIRUT — After visiting the scene of a massive fire at a carpet factory in Zefta, in the Nabatieh district, caretaker Industry Minister George Bouchikian said that the fire seems to have been caused by an electrical short circuit, the National News Agency reported.
Here's what we know:
• Bouchikian inspected the ongoing firefighting at the Kabalan carpet factory, and met with officials with the fire brigade and with factory owner Hussein Kabalan.
• Following the visit, he said that there had been no bodily injuries as a result of the fire and, as to the material damages, "We ask God to compensate Hajj Kabalan."
• He added that the ministry is "strict in taking measures regarding public safety in all licenses given to these industrial facilities, especially if chemicals are found in the manufacturing processes. Accidents can occur in many circumstances, and in all the world, and what is important today is that we work to put out the fire in the factory."
• Material losses from the fire were estimated to be in the millions of dollars and the decommissioning of this factory deprives about 200 families of employment, again according to the NNA.