The incident has prompted investigations into the circumstances surrounding the guard’s death and what triggered the explosion at the explosives storage facili...
The incident has prompted investigations into the circumstances surrounding the guard’s death and what triggered the explosion at the explosives storage facility. Government spokesperson Ndavaningi Mangwana said preliminary investigations by the Civil Protection Unit pointed to a suspected attempt to steal explosives. However, authorities have not announced a final determination of the cause. Pindula reported that the guard was found at the scene with his hands tied.
The Municipality of Redcliff also said preliminary findings suggested the blast may have been linked to an attempted theft. The matter remains under investigation, and the suspected theft has not been established as the confirmed cause of the explosion. The Herald reported that a bolt cutter and other tools believed to have been used to force open the facility’s door were found at the scene.
The blast caused extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure in the mining town. Reports described shattered windows, collapsed ceilings and damage to residential and commercial properties in several suburbs, including Torwood.
The full extent of the damage remains subject to assessment. Investigations show that at least 70 homes and business premises were affected.
Residents said the explosion woke them from their sleep and left them concerned about their families and the safety of their homes. Some buildings sustained damage to windows and ceilings, while the force of the blast also destroyed the structure that housed the explosives.
Redcliff Mayor Alderman Vincent Shangwa Masiiwa described the impact as severe. Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Owen Ncube also confirmed that the incident had caused damage to homes and businesses and resulted in one death, according to ZBC News.
Midlands Provincial Joint Operations Command chairperson Brigadier General Lawrence Munzararikwa warned residents to keep away from the affected area because unexploded material could remain at the site. Such material could detonate and cause further injuries if disturbed.
Authorities have directed BIMCO to cordon off the area and put up warning signs. Security personnel are expected to keep members of the public away until the site is declared safe by the relevant experts, according to Pindula’s report.
Redcliff Municipality has also urged residents not to visit the explosion site while safety checks and investigations continue. The warning is intended to reduce the risk of injuries as specialists assess the remains of the explosives storage facility.
The Joint Operations Command is handling the matter as authorities seek to establish what happened at the facility, how the explosion occurred and the circumstances surrounding the security guard’s death. Police have also confirmed the incident, but investigations remain ongoing.
The findings will be important in determining whether the explosion was connected to an attempted theft of explosives or another cause. Until investigators release further information, the circumstances should be treated as preliminary rather than confirmed.
Authorities have urged residents to follow safety instructions and avoid the affected area until it has been cleared. Further updates are expected as investigations and assessments of the damage continue.
