23 KILLED IN SUDAN FACTORY EXPLOSION

By Our correspondent, KHARTOUM, Sudan

At least 23 people were killed in Sudan after a fire triggered an explosion at a tile factory in the capital Khartoum on Tuesday, state news agency SUNA said.

SUNA further said 130 people were also wounded in the explosion. It pointed out that the injured people have been taken to several hospitals in the capital for treatment.

The Sudanese doctor's committee also said many of those injured would need emergency care, and pleaded with other health workers in the capital to prepare for more casualties as people are evacuated from the scene of the accident.

The news agency revealed that the fire, which took place at Salomi Ceramics Factory in Khartoum North, came after a gas tanker exploded while unloading its shipment at the factory.

"A fire erupted in an industrial area because of which 23 people were killed and more than 130 injured," the statement said. "A blast in a gas tanker triggered the fire." Government said in a statement.

The government called on citizens to donate blood to treat the wounded.

"Preliminary observations indicate a lack of necessary safety measures and equipment at the factory, in addition to random storage of flammable materials," the statement continued.

The government said it had ordered an investigation into the exact cause of the incident.

Sudan has suffered from various industrial accidents in recent months, raising concerns about the adequacy of health and safety regulations. - Africa