Lebanon blast death toll rises to almost 180

The death toll from last week’s massive explosion in Lebanon’s capital has risen to nearly 180, with an estimated 6,000 people injured and at least 30 missing, the United Nations said yesterday.

The explosion has affected operations at six hospitals and damaged more than 20 clinics in the parts of Beirut worst hit by the blast, the UN’S humanitarian affairs agency said.

It is still not known what caused the fire which ignited nearly 3,000 tons of ammonium nitrate stored in Beirut’s port.

But documents have shown that the country’s leadership were aware of the chemicals being stored there.