Health Minister reports 12 dead, thousands injured in pager explosions

Lebanese Health Minister Firas Abiad reported Wednesday that 12 people, including two children and two healthcare workers, were killed following the pager explosions.

The number of wounded ranges between 2,570 and 2,800, with about 750 injured in the south, 150 in the Bekaa Valley, and 1,850 in Beirut’s southern suburbs.

Abiad also said the emergency response plan implemented by the ministry played a crucial role in ensuring hospitals could effectively respond.

Furthermore, he stated that several patients have been evacuated from the Bekaa Valley to Syria, with some cases being transferred to Iran. 

He added that the majority of surgeries are scheduled to take place on Wednesday.