Two killed in Mozambique weapons depot fire
Two people have been killed after a large fire at Mozambique's national weapons depot set off a series of explosions, witnesses said today.
The explosions, near Maputo airport, caused thousands of people to flee their homes and shook buildings in the city centre.
One witness said at least two people were killed. Ambulances rushed to the area, which was sealed off by police. There was no immediate comment from the government.
Explosions from the site could be heard throughout Maputo three hours after the fire started in the Magoanine district, about three miles from the airport.
Thick plumes of smoke billowed into the early evening sky and some city centre windows were shattered by the intense heat.
One witness, Lucia Hiquela, said she saw two bodies being taken to the main hospital.
The national armoury was used to store weapons and ammunition, including some from Mozambique's long civil war. It was the scene of an explosion in January, when three people were injured.
It was not immediately clear what caused the blasts.
Later, President Armando Guebuza appeared on national television to appeal for calm as firefighters and military officials tried to control the blaze.
"We lament what is happening," Guebuza said.
He said that "several" people had been injured but gave no more detail, saying casualty figures would be released tomorrow.
