Fire Tragedy In Hermel Claims Three Lives, Several Injured

A devastating fire erupted on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, near the Al-Aytam area for refugees in the Al-Sabil neighborhood of Hermel, eastern Lebanon, resulting in three fatalities and three injuries. According to the Lebanese National News Agency, the blaze began during the unloading of gasoline from a tanker, leading to a catastrophic leakage that ignited and spread rapidly across the area.

Initial reports indicate that the fire extended beyond the fuel station, engulfing nearby shops and damaging dozens of vehicles within a 200-meter radius. The Lebanese Civil Defense highlighted the cause as "reckless storage of gasoline,” attributing the rapid escalation of the flames to the carelessness in handling fuel.

In a desperate attempt to control the situation, civil defense forces mobilized immediately, although the fire's ferocity posed significant challenges. The urgency of their response could be seen as they commenced firefighting operations shortly after receiving the distress call at approximately 11:41 AM. The Civil Defense’s spokesperson confirmed that their teams were equipped with multiple vehicles and personnel to combat the flames effectively.

Tragically, two Lebanese children who were inside a vehicle parked at the gas station succumbed to the fire, while their grandfather sustained severe injuries. Adding to the heartbreak, a child of Syrian nationality was also among the deceased, and two more individuals who were in the vicinity were reported to be in critical condition. The Lebanese Red Cross worked tirelessly to evacuate injured victims, including transporting one of the severely wounded via military helicopter to a hospital in Beirut for urgent care.

As the fire raged on, the death toll and number of injuries underscored the dire circumstances arising from the incident. Images from the scene showed firefighters battling the flames as bewildered spectators looked on, and the area remained cordoned off for safety. By 2:20 PM, however, the dedicated teams of the Lebanese Civil Defense successfully managed to contain the fire completely, although they continued to cool the site to prevent rekindling.

The aftermath reflected a broader concern for safety standards in Lebanon, particularly around facilities handling volatile substances like gasoline. While the investigation continues, voices from the community rise for stronger regulations to ensure such a catastrophic incident is not repeated.

"The reckless storage of gasoline must be addressed if we hope to prevent another tragedy like this," said a spokesperson for the Civil Defense, echoing the sentiments felt by many in the affected community.

In light of this disaster, the local authorities have committed to reviewing safety protocols in hazardous facilities. This incident, tragic as it is, might serve as a catalyst for change that could prevent future losses of life due to negligence.

As the dust settles on this tragedy, it remains a somber reminder of the importance of vigilance and safety in everyday operations that involve flammable materials. The residents of Hermel and beyond are mourning the lives lost and hoping for a day when such a disaster will become a distant memory.