Ecuador army base blast kills five, injures 300

At least five people died and 300 were injured when an explosion tore through an ammunition depot at Ecuador's largest military…

At least five people died and 300 were injured when an explosion tore through an ammunition depot at Ecuador's largest military base.

The explosion was caused when a hand grenade detonated accidentally, army spokesman Col Arturo Cadena told Television Channel 10.

The Red Cross said the explosions caused a fire that spilled out of the military base and engulfed a building.

Col Cadena said earlier that five people - three civilians and two soldiers - were killed.

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Health minister Mr Vicente Habze said relief efforts have been hampered by a power cut in the blast area.

Most of Ecuador's tank units are at the Riobamba base, home to about 1,500 soldiers.

PA