The death toll from a series of explosions in a military barracks in Equatorial Guinea has risen to 31, the health ministry said on Monday, as volunteers continued to search for bodies in the rubble. About 600 people were injured in the blasts, which started with a fire at the Nkoantoma Military Base in the coastal city of Bata, according to the defence ministry. President Teodoro Obiang Nguema attributed the accident to negligence related to the handling of dynamite and said the explosions damaged almost all homes and buildings in Bata, a city of just over 250,000 people.
At least 20 people were killed and more than 600 injured on Sunday afternoon after several explosions rocked military barracks in Bata, the largest city in Equatorial Guinea. President Teodoro Obiang Nguema said the explosions were triggered by "negligent handling of dynamite," and the impact "caused damage in almost all the houses and buildings in Bata." Later, the country's defense ministry released a statement saying a fire broke out in a weapons depot, and that caused ammunition to explode. The Associated Press reports that roofs were ripped off of some houses near the blast zone, and streets are filled with debris. The government is asking for volunteer health workers to assist with patients at overcrowded hospitals, as well as people to donate blood. More stories from theweek.comThe Harry and Meghan interview might have taken down more than the royal familyDemocrats are about to start sending monthly checks for most U.S. children. Why are Republicans so q
Updated:
March 09, 2021 02:13 IST
The blasts on Sunday, involving ammunition stocks and explosives at the camp in the country s economic hub Bata
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This TVGE image made from video shows smoke rising over the blast site at a military barracks in Bata, Equatorial Guinea, Sunday, March 7, 2021
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The blasts on Sunday, involving ammunition stocks and explosives at the camp in the country s economic hub Bata The toll from accidental explosions that rocked a military camp in Equatorial Guinea and the surrounding area rose sharply on Monday to 98 dead and 615 wounded, the Vice President said.
The blasts on Sunday, involving ammunition stocks and explosives at the camp in the country s economic hub Bata, devastated buildings at the compound and countless houses in surrounding residential areas.