BEIRUT - Energy Minister Raymond Ghajar Thursday denied allegations that the Zouk power plant near Jounieh was at risk of a greater explosion than the Beirut blast.

“It is important for the Energy Ministry to confirm that this information is incorrect,” a statement from the Energy Ministry said.

Following the massive explosion in Beirut that killed over 150 people and wounded thousands, MP Chamel Roukoz warned of the risk of a greater explosion at the Zouk power plant.

Speaking on the Voice of Lebanon Friday, MP Chamel Roukoz, an estranged relative to Free Patriotic Movement leader Gebran Bassil, said that a large quantity of hydrogen was being stored close to gasoline tanks and could potentially ''cause an explosion greater than the one that took place in Beirut,'' he was quoted as saying.

Roukoz went on to say, ''I am not an expert on this subject, but I point this out to the Energy Ministry and the Lebanese government in order to avoid disaster.''

The Energy Ministry’s statement said that the old hydrogen system used since 1983 had been replaced and was now on par with international standards.

Regarding the ammonium nitrate stored at Beirut Port and the cause of Tuesday's monster blast, Roukoz noted that it was highly explosive, known to be used in making improvised bombs. ''Our data indicates that this material is more flammable than explosive, and explodes in cases of high temperatures or a lightning strike.'' He finished by alluding to a discrepancy, but affirmed that he would wait until after the investigation before commenting further.

Copyright © 2020, The Daily Star. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).

Disclaimer: The content of this article is syndicated or provided to this website from an external third party provider. We are not responsible for, and do not control, such external websites, entities, applications or media publishers. The body of the text is provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis and has not been edited in any way. Neither we nor our affiliates guarantee the accuracy of or endorse the views or opinions expressed in this article. Read our full disclaimer policy here.