Reuters AlertNet Lite - Poor storage, heat led to Mozambique blast

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Poor storage, heat led to Mozambique blast - report

12 Apr 2007 07:40:23 GMT
Source: Reuters

MAPUTO, April 12 (Reuters) - An explosion at a Mozambique armoury that killed 103 people and injured hundreds was likely caused by a combination of soaring temperatures and poor storage, state media said on Thursday citing an official report.

The report by a commission set up by President Armando Guebuza said neglect by those responsible for storing armaments may have contributed to the conditions that led to the March 22 blast near Maputo's airport, Radio Mozambique said.

Investigators also said poor security had left the armoury vulnerable to potential intruders, although they ruled out sabotage as a factor in the blast, which sent rockets and mortars flying into residential areas and temporarily closed the airport.

Radio Mozambique said Guebuza had ordered the defence ministry to move the nation's three armouries to remote areas and pay the medical bills of those injured in the explosion as well as the school fees of kids who lost parents in the blast.

He also instructed the government to destroy all obsolete weapons from Mozambique's bloody 17-year civil war that ended in 1992, and tighten inspection and handling of weapons at the armouries.

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Last updated:Thu Apr 12 07:41:06 2007