Three employees killed in major blaze at Hawa Chicken factory

NORTH LEBANON — Three employees died after being trapped inside a Hawa Chicken factory in the northern Lebanese town of Anfeh when a major fire broke out on Monday evening. Hawa Chicken is one of Lebanon's poultry breeders and sellers.

Firefighters battled the flames for hours on Monday evening. An investigation has been launched into the cause of the fire, which remains unknown.

Most employees managed to evacuate the premise, and first responders managed to rescue another three people who had been trapped inside, including a firefighter who was injured while working to put out the flames, L'Orient Today's correspondent in the North reported. However, they were unable to reach the remaining three employees in time.

Thick smoke complicated firefighting efforts and part of the factory's roof collapsed. Several employees were hospitalized after inhaling smoke.

Reporting contributed by L'Orient Today's correspondent in the North, Michel Hallak.