At least seven military personnel were killed and more than 80 injured in an explosion today at a military barracks in the northern Peruvian city of Tumbes.
Mayor Ricardo Flores said the explosion took place in a munitions depot at the Tabazo barracks of the army's 9th Armored Division.
Gen Victor Bustamante, chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, said the explosion was a freak accident that happened during a staff change at the barracks, where the corps of engineers stores dynamite, wicks, and other supplies.
Prime Minister Luis Solari said the accident was caused by mishandled explosives. The dead included two officers and five soldiers stationed at the barracks.
More than 80 people, both civilians and military, went to hospital for treatment to shrapnel wounds, cuts and broken bones, hospital officials said.
Residents speaking to radio stations said the explosion felt like an earthquake and had cut electricity in some areas.
AFP