Rescue teams have detected the pulse of a possible survivor beneath the rubble of Beirut’s devastating port explosion nearly a month ago.
A specialist border collie dog working with rescuers reportedly discovered the potential survivor last night, 29 days after the blast tore apart the city’s port and surrounding areas.
Thermal imaging has detected two human forms, one larger person and one smaller body curled up next to the larger person. It’s believed the smaller body is showing signs of life – with equipment detecting 18 breaths a minute and a faint pulse from the smaller person.
The head of the Chilean rescue team, Francisco Lermanda has told reporters that he suspects the potential survivor is in a comatose state.
Rescuers are expected to use a crane today to remove more debris in their hopes of reaching the pair.
The discovery comes 29 days after the explosion which was triggered when a huge stockpile of ammonium nitrate was ignited by a fire. It’s understood the chemical had been stored at the port facility for up to six years.
The blast killed close to 200 people in the city and injured around 6,000 more.
