Greek national among dead in Beirut explosion

ATHENS

A Greek national is among the dead in a huge explosion that devastated the port area of Beirut, Greek diplomatic sources said Wednesday.

Five Greeks, including two who are in critical condition, were injured in the blast, which killed at least 135 people and wounded more than 5,000 others.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis responded to the Lebanese government’s call for assistance, and a team of 12 rescue workers, a dog and special equipment, was dispatched to Beirut to help in rescue and relief operations.

The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed solidarity with the people of Lebanon.

“We express our profound sorrow at the deadly explosions in the port of Beirut and our solidarity with the government and people of Lebanon," it said in a statement. "We also express our sincere condolences to the families of the victims, and our wishes for a speedy recovery to those injured.”

A fire at a warehouse containing explosives at the Port of Beirut led to the catastrophic blast, which was heard across the city and its suburbs.

Photographs and video footage on social media showed downtown Beirut littered with damaged vehicles and debris that fell from the shattered facades of buildings.

More than 300,000 people have been left homeless with damage estimated at more than $3 billion.

Lebanon's president has promised a transparent investigation, and declared three days of mourning.