Cyprus naval base explosion kills at least 12

Cyprus naval base explosion kills at least 12

2011-07-11 20:56:10 GMT+7 (ICT)

MARI, CYPRUS (BNO NEWS) -- At least 12 people were killed on Monday after strong explosions rocked a naval base in the southern region of Cyprus, officials said.

The incident occurred at around 6 a.m. local time at Cyprus' Evangelos Florakis Naval Base, which is located near the country's village of Mari in its southern region, when explosions erupted at a contained munitions deposit in the base, officials told the Cyprus News Agency.

The strong blast caused a deep crater at the epicenter of the explosion, which contained confiscated munitions from the Monchegorsk vessel that was sailing from Iran to Syria in 2009. Cyprus security forces had intercepted the vessel for violation of the United Nations sanctions on Iran. The blast apparently happened after two containers with gun powder caught fire.

The Vasilikon power plant, which is the island's central power station, suffered from extensive damage, causing several power cuts in different areas of the country. President of the Board of Directors of the Electricity Authority of Cyprus Harris Thrassou said destricution at the plant was "very serious."

In addition, nearby residential areas, mostly in the village of Mari in the Larnaca District, were also damaged from the explosions, which also caused small wildfires in the surrounding areas.

Cyprus National Guard Chief Lieutenant General Petros Tsalikidis said an emergency management center was set up at the entrance of the naval base as teams were trying to manage the crisis. Following the incident, government officials later announced Tsalikidis' resignation, while Defense Minister Costas Papacostas also resigned following the explosion.

Among the fatal victims were five firemen, four National Guard members and two sailors. In addition, at least 35 people were injured, although some reports indicate that over 60 people suffered injuries from the blasts. Emergency teams deployed seven ambulances to attend the scene with the help of a team of doctors.

President Demetris Christofias voiced sympathy and condolences to the families of the people who died, performing their duty selflessly. "Material damages, as extensive as they might be, can be repaired, but human losses can not be retrieved," President Christofias said, noting "another black July day" for the Republic of Cyprus.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-07-11