Maputo, 29 Jun (AIM) – At least five people have lost their lives, in Mocuba district, central Mozambican province of Zambézia, following a massive fire triggered by an explosion of fuel drums.
The tragedy, which occurred last Friday, in Aeroporto II neighborhood, was caused by the explosion of several 20-liter drums filled with gasoline, which were illegally being stored inside a house.
According to eyewitnesses, cited by the independent paper “O País”, the explosion was followed by intense flames that quickly engulfed the house in which the drums were being stored.
Despite desperate rescue attempts by local residents, four of the victims were burned to death at the scene. A fifth victim, a two-year-old child, was pulled out alive and rushed to the Mocuba District Hospital. However, due to the severity of the burns, the child died shortly after admission.
SENSAP (National System of Public Security and Assistance) deployed teams to the area and managed to contain the fire before it could spread to neighboring houses.
Local authorities confirmed the incident and stated that investigations are underway to determine the exact circumstances of the explosion and to establish legal responsibility.
The tragedy once again raises serious concerns about the widespread and dangerous practice of informal fuel smuggling and unsafe storage in residential areas, a recurring issue across several regions of the country that frequently leads to fatal accidents.
(AIM)
ZT/Am/
