Dar Es Salaam - The death toll from a series of explosions at an ammunition depot in Tanzania rose to at least 11 people, an official said on Thursday.
The regional commissioner for commercial capital Dar es Salaam, William Lukuvi, issued the latest grim toll as he briefed President Jakaya Kikwete during a tour of the blast site.
"The death toll may be higher since relevant authorities are working on affected areas," he told Kikwete.
Wednesday's massive explosions showered the city with shrapnel and caused widespread panic, bringing back memories of the 1998 bombing of the US embassy here.
Deputy Defence Minister Emmanuel Nchimbi told reporters that it was accidental.
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The blasts caused the collapse of several nearby buildings and ignited rockets and other weapons that came crashing down or showered shrapnel on bewildered residents, sometimes more than a kilometre away.
Red Cross officials set up two camps to support the victims, including 1 192 children who were admitted by Wednesday night after getting lost while running for safety.
"Most of them were running without knowing where they were going. They were assisted to the camp by some good people and parents are advised to report for missing children," Kova said.
As rescuers sifted through the rubble of some of the buildings that were blown to pieces, Tanzanian army chief of staff Abdallah Shimbo said five servicemen were still missing. - Sapa-AFP
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