'Welding' Causes New Explosion in Lebanon

Three people were injured Sunday in an explosion blamed on "welding" works in the southern town of Zefta.

The National News Agency said a Syrian man who was carrying out the welding and his uncle in addition to a young boy were injured in the incident.

"As the young Syrian man Fadi H. was welding a barrel's tap in his house in the town of Zefta, the barrel, which contained remnants of paint thinner, exploded," NNA said.

The agency said the blast was heard in the towns of Zefta and al-Marwaniyeh and in nearby areas.

In addition to the injuries, the explosion damage the house's ceiling and windows.

Patrols from the various security agencies have since launched investigations into the incident, the agency added.

Several fires and blasts have been blamed on welding works in Lebanon in recent months, including the catastrophic explosion at Beirut port on August 4, which killed around 200 people, wounded around 6,500 and destroyed swathes of the capital.