Matola Terminal Fire Claims Fifteen Victims

Port of Maputo An explosion and a fire which took place on Sunday at the Stema grain terminal in Matola, part of the Maputo port complex in Mozambique, have claimed fifteen victims, local media informed. According to the report, the cause of the incident is still under investigation, however it is believed that the explosion was caused by illegal activities, including attempted fuel theft from the terminal stores. No injuries have been reported to any terminal staff or any crew on nearby vessels, and the fatalities are believed to be of persons involved in the theft. The authorities suspended further search and rescue efforts yesterday. As a result of the fire, the grain unloading and transport system at the terminal was severely damaged, leaving the terminal’s grain ship unloading capability out of service until repairs can be undertaken. World Maritime News Staff