EXPLOSION AT AMMUNITION DUMP CAUSED BY SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION
ROC Central News Agency
2006-05-15 20:03:16
Taipei, May 15 (CNA) The results of an initial examination by the Ministry of National Defense (MND) show that an explosion May 10 at an ammunition dump in Hsichih township, Taipei County, was the result of spontaneous combustion, Minister of National Defense Lee Jye said Monday.
Lee told the Legislative Yuan's National Defense Committee that experts believe the explosion, which killed two soldiers and injured eight others, was caused by a spontaneous combustion of the nitrocellulose in the explosives -- apparently triggered by high temperatures at noon.
Lee said those in charge of the management of the storage facility had also admitted that the amount of explosives kept at the dump and waiting to be scrapped exceeded the allowed limit.
He said a decision will be made within this week to mete out penalties to those responsible.
The defense minister also said that the two dead soldiers will receive posthumous promotions and medals of honor, and that their families will each be entitled to compensation of NT$6.5 million.
Asked whether the MND is prepared to relocate the ammunition dump, Lee said the ministry will be able to present a relocation plan during the next legislative session, which begins in September.
The explosion at the Hsichih ammunition dump last Wednesday caused a major fire and left the surrounding area looking like a battlefield. The heat and impact killed the two soldiers in an administrative building 150 meters away instantly.
Households nearby have become alarmed that the location of the ammunition dump is too close to residential areas and have demanded that the military relocate it.
(By Han Nai-kuo)
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