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LEBANON

Fire brought under control in new souk in Tripoli

Fire brought under control in new souk in Tripoli

Flames escape from a manhole in a fruit and vegetable market due to open soon in Tripoli, North Lebanon, May 16, 2023. (Courtesy of: Michel HallaK/L'Orient Today)

BEIRUT — Unidentified individuals set fire to the sewers and infrastructure of a new vegetable market in Tripoli, North Lebanon, which is due to open soon, our correspondent in the north reported on Tuesday. The municipality of the northern city confirmed this information to L'Orient Today, adding that the fire was brought under control and extinguished Tuesday.

The old market located in Bab al-Tabbaneh is being transferred to the new location, near the Abu Ali river, to reduce traffic congestion and overcrowding in the city, according to the municipality.

Videos showed black smoke and flames coming out of all the sewage outlets near the market. Firefighters responded and extinguished the fire, which had also affected the entrance to the new market and some businesses. Investigations are underway to identify the perpetrators of the blaze.

"Infrastructure has been damaged," a municipal communications official said. "It is well known that people are trying to prevent the opening of the new market. They want the traders to stay at the old location," he added. When contacted, the Civil Defense said it had not heard of this incident and had not sent any team to respond to it.

Reporting contributed by Michel Hallak


BEIRUT — Unidentified individuals set fire to the sewers and infrastructure of a new vegetable market in Tripoli, North Lebanon, which is due to open soon, our correspondent in the north reported on Tuesday. The municipality of the northern city confirmed this information to L'Orient Today, adding that the fire was brought under control and extinguished Tuesday.The old market located in Bab...