Patrick Chitumba, [email protected]
A MASSIVE explosion at a Buchwa Iron Mining Company (BIMCO) explosives storage facility has damaged more than 80 properties across Redcliff, shattered windows, brought down ceilings and blown apart a concrete storage structure.
The overnight blast, which occurred on Saturday night, was felt across the mining town, damaging public infrastructure, commercial buildings and residential properties.
The explosion also left a security guard dead. He was reportedly found with his hands tied behind his back, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding his death.
Redcliff Municipality spokesperson Mr Michael Magoronga confirmed the incident, saying preliminary findings suggested that the blast could have been linked to an attempted theft of explosives.
A bolt cutter and other tools believed to have been used to force open the storage facility’s door were reportedly found at the scene.
“The matter is now with the Joint Operation Command (JOC). So investigations are now underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the explosion and the security guard’s death,” he said.
Mr Magoronga said the storage facility was situated in a mountainous area, but the force of the explosion caused extensive damage across several suburbs.
“What was once a concrete structure housing the explosives was blown apart, leaving a gaping hole that illustrates the intensity of the explosion.
“The damage extended to public infrastructure, commercial premises and private homes, with shattered windows and collapsed ceilings reported in several buildings,” he said.
The extent of the destruction has raised questions about what triggered the blast and the circumstances under which suspected intruders may have accessed the facility.
In a public notice, the Municipality of Redcliff said the explosion occurred during the night of October 10 and damaged properties in several suburbs.
The local authority said it would continue monitoring developments and provide further updates as more information became available.
Midlands provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the incident but said investigations were still underway.
Investigations are expected to establish the cause of the explosion, the circumstances surrounding the security guard’s death and whether the incident was linked to an attempted theft of explosives.
ENDS//
