Lebanon explosion toll: 9 dead, 2,800 injured, 200 critically, as pagers detonate
A Lebanese Red Cross ambulance rushes wounded people to a hospital in Beirut, Lebanon, Sept. 17, 2024. (AFP Photo)
At least 11 people, including a child, have been killed and approximately 4,000 others injured—400 of them critically—in a series of explosions involving wireless communication devices known as pagers in Lebanon, Health Minister Firas Al-Abiad reported on Tuesday.
The explosions occurred in various areas across Lebanon. According to Al-Abiad, the initial toll includes significant injuries, with 400 individuals in critical condition. The blasts reportedly happened around 3:30 PM local time (1:30 PM GMT) on September 17, 2024.
Hezbollah’s confirmation and speculations
The Lebanese group Hezbollah confirmed that two of its members were killed and many others injured in the blasts. Hezbollah’s statement indicated that the explosions involved pager devices used by its units and institutions but did not provide further details on the nature of the explosions or potential suspects.
Lebanese media have suggested that the explosions might be linked to an Israeli breach of the communication system, although this has not been officially confirmed.
Meanwhile, reportedly Hezbollah holds Israel fully responsible for pager device explosions in Lebanon.
Following the mass detonation of pagers across Lebanon, Hezbollah vowed ‘just retaliation from unexpected places’ against Israel.
Health Ministry’s warning
In response to the incident, the Lebanese Health Ministry has urged all citizens owning pager devices to dispose of them immediately.
The explosions occurred amid ongoing cross-border exchanges between Hezbollah and Israel, against the backdrop of a severe Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip, which has resulted in over 41,200 casualties, primarily women and children, following a Hamas attack on October 7 last year.
