France sends planes with rescue teams, aid to Beirut

French aid flights left Paris to Lebanon on Wednesday, following a massive blast in Beirut the previous day that killed 100 people and wounded thousands.

French President Emmanuel Macron announced he would fly to the shattered Lebanese capital, and two planeloads of French rescue workers and aid were expected to touch down on Wednesday afternoon.

Macron's office told The Associated Press that the French leader will meet with Lebanese political leaders but provided no further details.

Lebanon is a former French protectorate and the countries retain close political and economic ties.

The Paris prosecutor’s office says a first assessment has established that 21 French nationals were among those injured in the deadly explosion.

In Paris, a special vigil will be held Wednesday for blast victims in the Notre Dame Maronite Church, and the Eiffel Tower will go dark at midnight to mourn them.