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Explosion at Yemen weapons factory kills dozens
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March 29, 2011
Original URL: http://en.wikinews.org/wiki/Explosion_at_Yemen_weapons_factory_kills_dozens



An explosion at a weapons factory in Yemen killed dozens of people
yesterday. According to estimates, over one hundred people may have died
in the blast.

According to the ''BBC'', at least 78 people were killed, while ''The
Independent'' reported that over one hundred people had been killed. The
explosion occurred in the southern town of Ja`ar, located in the
province of Abyan.

Local media reported that forces loyal to Al-Qaeda had raided the
factory on Sunday. They added that residents were forced to gather
supplies from the factory, when a cigarette reportedly triggered the
explosion.

State news agency ''Saba'' said that militants had "seized the factory
on Sunday and pushed citizens to [loot] its contents, which led to
inflaming of gunpowder and explosives in the factory."

A local doctor said that "[t]his accident is a true catastrophe, the
first of its kind in Abyan. There are so many burned bodies. I can't
even describe the situation." 

An accurate death toll is reportedly difficult to ascertain due to the
condition of bodies, many of which have severe burns.

== Sources == 
* http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12881240
* http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/accidental-explosion-at-yemen-arms-factory-kills-100-2255737.html



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