Rescuers try to keep fire from 2nd depot
By LOUIS OKAMBA
Brazzaville – International experts fought to prevent a fire from reaching a second arms depot and exploding more munitions, a day after a blaze set off blasts so violent they flattened buildings, killing hundreds and trapping countless others under debris.
Small detonations continued to shake Brazzaville, capital of the Republic of Congo, on Monday. Sunday’s blasts buckled numerous buildings including two churches and a hospital and exploded windows nearly 10 kilometres away across the Congo River in the heart of Kinshasa, capital of the neighbouring Central African nation of Congo.
“For the time being, there are Russian, French and Congolese experts in the field who are trying to put out the fires. Their goal is to prevent the fires reaching a second depot of even heavier weapons,” said Delphin Kibakidi, spokesman of the local Red Cross.
Ongoing explosions and fires hampered attempts to rescue hundreds believed trapped under debris.
A large crowd gathered outside the municipal morgue, which along with a nearby hospital had registered 206 deaths hours after the first blast on Sunday.
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