According to the Lebanese Red Cross, a fuel tank exploded in Lebanon, killing at least 20 persons and injuring more than seven others.

According to the Red Cross, the explosion occurred in Akkar's northern district, and 22 teams were dispatched to carry the injured and deceased to hospitals. The cause of the explosion was not disclosed by the organization.

The event occurs as Lebanon battles a fuel shortage that could force hospitals to turn off life-saving equipment in the coming days. The country also recently commemorated the one-year anniversary of an ammonium nitrate-induced explosion in Beirut, which devastated food warehouses and forced the government to resign, compounding the country's already-growing economic crisis.

Fuel shortages are putting Lebanon Hospital's ventilators in jeopardy, according to the hospital.