03-23-2007
MAPUTO, Mozambique
Thousands of people in Mozambique's capital spent the night on the streets, forced out of their homes by an explosion at a weapons depot that killed more than 70 and injured at least 300.
President Armando Guebuza toured the stricken area Friday and visited hospitalized victims. He promised to find a safer site for the armory, located in a densely populated, impoverished neighborhood about three miles from Maputo's airport.

The defense ministry said the hot weather may have been to blame. The southern part of Mozambique, which includes Maputo, is in the midst of a heat wave and drought, and the temperature was 93 at the time.

It was the second blast at the depot in recent months. Three people were injured in an explosion and fire in January, which authorities also blamed on the heat.

Health Minister Ivo Garrido said at least 72 people were killed and 300 people were injured. The casualties included military personnel working on the site and civilians living nearby.