At least 227 people killed after huge explosions rock Brazzaville arms depot

2012-03-05 03:43:06 GMT+7 (ICT)

BRAZZAVILLE, Republic of Congo (BNO NEWS) -- More than 200 people were killed on early Sunday morning when a series of huge explosions rocked Brazzaville, the capital of the Republic of Congo, residents and officials said. Hundreds more have been injured.

It began just after 8 a.m. local time when a fire broke out at a weapons depot in the Mpila neighborhood of Brazzaville, causing a series of large explosions which devastated the surrounding area. The explosions continued into the early afternoon, hampering search-and-rescue efforts.

One government official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said at least 227 people were killed while hundreds more have been injured. He said scores of people remain trapped under collapsed buildings, including at the St. Louis church where dozens of people are buried under the rubble.

Among those killed are at least six Chinese nationals who were working for the Beijing Construction Engineering Group (BCEGC), according to officials at the Chinese Embassy in Brazzaville. At least one Chinese worker remains missing and dozens more were injured when the explosions affected a construction site in the capital.

The huge explosions damaged buildings as far away as Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, which is situated about 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) across the Congo River. Residents in Kinshasa reported feeling the explosion and state-run media reported that buildings were damaged in several districts, but no casualties were reported.

French Foreign Minister Alain Juppé said he was saddened by the news and promised to send aid. "My first thoughts are with the victims and their families and loved ones whom I extend my deepest condolences," he said. "I have instructed the Crisis Center of the Foreign Ministry to quickly send emergency aid to Brazzaville."

In July 2010, at least 230 people were killed when an overturned fuel tanker caused a massive explosion in a town in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Among those killed were local residents who were attempting to steal fuel which had leaked from the tanker.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2012-03-05

The obvious question: why store weapons near population centers?

This sort of thing happens in other countries, tho rarely on such a devastating scale. It happens every 3 or 4 years in Thailand. What's worse: residing near a nuclear power plant or near an arms depot?

It seems that your chances are pretty limited with such a massive explosion. I think I'd take living close to a nuclear plant.