Soldiers are seen near the building that was destroyed in the explosion in Benafoul, Lebanon, April 12, 2022. Photo: Xinhua

 
At least one person was killed and seven others were wounded in an explosion in southern Lebanon early on Tuesday, the Lebanese National News Agency reported.

The explosion rocked a scout center affiliated with the Shi'ite Amal Movement in the town of Benafoul, destroying a municipal council building and damaging other buildings nearby.

Preliminary information revealed that the explosion was caused by oxygen flasks that caught fire due to electric friction. The oxygen flasks were stored in the scout center for coronavirus patients.

The injured had been transferred to hospitals, and the Lebanese Civil Defense continued searching among the rubble for further casualties.

Soldiers are seen near the building that was destroyed in the explosion in Benafoul, Lebanon, April 12, 2022. Photo: Xinhua

 

A man checks on the car damaged by the explosion in Benafoul, Lebanon, April 12, 2022. Photo: Xinhua

 

Cars damaged by the explosion are seen in Benafoul, Lebanon, April 12, 2022. Photo: Xinhua