Lebanese authorities have arrested 16 people as part of an investigation into the Beirut port warehouse explosion that devastated the capital, according to state media.

Axar.az reports citing foreign media that Judge Fadi Akiki, a government representative at the military court, said authorities had so far questioned more than 18 port and customs officials and workers responsible for or involved in maintenance at the warehouse, which housed highly explosive material that blew up on Tuesday.

“Sixteen people have been taken into custody as part of the investigation,” Mr Akiki was quoted as saying by Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency. Local media reported the port's general manager was among those detained.