Witnesses said the force of the blast blew out windows and cut telephone lines to the area. All the houses trembled. Local residents reported hearing two explosions. The director of a neighbouring ammunition factory told Reuters the blast had caused a second, smaller explosion at the armaments plant but there were no injuries. An electrical store next to the AZF factory collapsed shortly after the blast.
Tensions remain high despite the apparent truce.
Cautious Chinese support for US strikes. Copyright Telecom Cook Islands 2000. All rights reserved. Oyster is a registered trademark of Telecom Cook Islands.