Three injured in Fneideq, Akkar in scrap yard explosion, possibly from remnant of Israeli airstrike

BEIRUT — Three were injured in an explosion at a scrap metal yard in Fneideq, Akkar, North Lebanon, with one of the injured in critical condition, our correspondent in the north reported. The explosion is suspected to have been caused by an unexploded missile, possibly a remnant of previous Israeli airstrikes on the Bekaa region.

The incident occurred when two scrap metal workers discovered the unexploded missile while collecting scrap on the outskirts of a nearby town in Hermel. Rather than reporting it to the authorities, the workers transported the missile in their truck to a scrap yard in Fneideq, hoping to sell it, our correspondent reported.

As the two attempted to dismantle the missile using an electric saw, it detonated, severely injuring both workers and a third person who was present at the yard but not involved in the operation. The scrap yard sustained significant damage due to the blast.

All three injured individuals, including two Lebanese workers and one Syrian national, were rushed to Al Habtour Hospital in Harar for medical treatment. Authorities have launched an investigation into the explosion.

In response to the incident, the Disaster Management Unit of the Union of Municipalities of Jurd Al-Qaytaa in Akkar issued a public safety warning. The unit urged residents to avoid approaching suspicious objects and to report any unusual items to local authorities so that specialists could handle them.