Negligence Over Abundant Cache of Ammonium Nitrate, Engendered the Devastating Casualty in Lebanon

People of Lebanon awoke to a noxious scenario on Wednesday 4 August, a night after two massive explosions at Beirut left the country in utter shock causing unprecedented property and life destruction. The explosions that occurred at Beirut port are reported to be the most devastating chemical hazards in a span of 20 years. Lebanon, already struggling with economic crises exacerbated by the Coronavirus pandemic was seen mourning over the unending trials of miseries. As per the Prime Minister of Lebanon, the blast was fuelled by 2700 tonnes of Ammonium Nitrate inventories at the Beirut city port. Ammonium Nitrate is widely used as a fertilizer for agriculture industry and is also a key component for mining explosions. As the compound does not decompose on its own, it is likely to be set off by a fire source. According to the witnesses, an orange colour cloud was seen like the one involving the concentration of Nitrates. As per the initial investigation, negligence over huge inventories of the compound in last couple of years is the premier reason behind the massive blast.