Explosions in Mozambique UPDATE: Armory on fire

My father is working there. He had to rush off the phone. Heard many very large explosions. Doesn't know why. Could be weapons cache, industrial accident, or worse.

Nothing on the news wires yet.

I'll update when I know more.

UPDATE 1: The explosion appears to be in the national armory. See below for the report.

I'll update this when I know more.

UPDATE 1:
Report from Citizen.co.za

Blasts occur at Mozambique national armoury

MAPUTO – Mozambique’s national army armoury went up in smoke on Thursday for the second time since 1985, Vista News reported.
It was not immediately known what had caused the blasts, which went on for more than an hour.
In September 1985, 12 people were killed and in January this year three people were seriously injured.
At the time authorities attributed the blasts to high temperatures.
On Thursday, maximum temperatures of 36 degrees were recorded in Maputo.
Clouds of smoke could be seen coming out of the armoury, situated in Malhazine Bairro, in a residential area about one kilometre from the Maputo city centre.
Office workers in the city climbed onto top floors of buildings to get a view of the area where clouds of smoke could be seen.
Officials were not immediately available for comment. –Sapa

•  Must be

  the armory?

  by melvin on Thu Mar 22, 2007 at 09:48:17 AM PDT

•  Reported to be at the armory

  link

  by Dion on Thu Mar 22, 2007 at 09:48:56 AM PDT

•  More

  here:

  A series of powerful explosions rocked Maputo on Thursday afternoon, as once again obsolete military equipment stored in an arsenal of the Mozambican Armed Forces (FADM) in the outer suburb of Malhazine blew up.

  The explosions caused panic in the areas near the arsenal, and could be heard all over the city. Even in the heart of the city, about nine kilometres from Malhazine, the explosion caused damage, blowing out windows (including one in the AIM offices).

  There are so far no reports of casualties - but the arsenal is on fire, and the authorities have issued appeals for calm

  by melvin on Thu Mar 22, 2007 at 09:51:22 AM PDT

•  Thanks guys!

  Makes me feel better about my dad.

  by mlafleur on Thu Mar 22, 2007 at 09:52:19 AM PDT

•  Mozambique has an armory?

  Interesting.

  by adios on Thu Mar 22, 2007 at 09:53:31 AM PDT

  •  Aparently not any more.

    by JohnB47 on Thu Mar 22, 2007 at 09:55:32 AM PDT

    •  Mozambique HAD an armory?

      E-I-E-I...Oh.

      by adios on Thu Mar 22, 2007 at 10:01:40 AM PDT