At least 137 people were killed and more than 5,000 others injured in a massive blast in the Lebanese capital Beirut on Tuesday. About 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate were stored in the Beirut port warehouse that exploded, devastating large parts of the Lebanese capital. Early investigations blamed negligence for the explosion at the Beirut port.
Two days after the deadly blast, serious concerns have been raised about nearly 700 tonnes of the explosive chemical that has remained in storage for years on the outskirts of Tamil Nadu capital Chennai, under the custody of the Customs Department, reported NDTV.
Officials said an e-auction to dispose of the chemical "is in advanced stages".
The large consignment of the chemical - used in manufacturing fireworks and fertilisers - was meant for a group in the fireworks capital of India - Sivakasi. It was seized at the Chennai port in 2015 and has been lying there ever since.
However, Chennai port officials said the pile of explosives is not stored in the harbor anymore.
Meanwhile, panic spread in Chennai soon after the news was published.
Citing the deadly Beirut tragedy, PMK Chief Dr Ramadoss tweeted, "There is a risk of a similar explosion. To avert that the explosives ought to be disposed safely and used for manufacture of fertiliser and other needs."Source: https://www.daily-bangladesh.com
