Lebanese security forces arrested George Rachid, the owner of the land located in the town of Tleel in Akkar, northern Lebanon, where a fuel tank exploded, resulting in the deaths of more than 20 people. The explosion of the fuel tank early Sunday morning led to over 20 casualties and injured nearly 100 others, some in extremely critical condition, who were transferred to hospitals in Akkar and Tripoli.
Sources reported that security forces apprehended George Rachid at an apartment in the port of Tripoli, next to the "Silver Beach" restaurant. Information indicates that his son, who surrendered himself early Sunday, directed security forces to his location. The Lebanese Army stated in a report: "On August 15, around 2 AM, a fuel tank exploded in a piece of land used for storing gravel in the town of Tleel - Akkar, which had been confiscated by the army for distributing its contents to citizens, leading to injuries among both civilians and military personnel."
The statement added: "Investigations were launched under the supervision of the competent judiciary to uncover the circumstances of the explosion." Armed masked members from the Lebanese Army Intelligence raided the home of the fuel storage owner, whom the residents of Akkar claim has political backing from the deputy of the Free Patriotic Movement, Assaad Dergham. Residents of Akkar burned images of Dergham, claiming that he had covered the activities of smuggler George Rachid, who owns the fuel tanks, one of which exploded. Young men stormed Rachid’s home and vandalized its property.
