Police are investigating an incident that occurred at a scrap metal yard in Mombasa this afternoon at about 3.00 pm, during which a piece of unexploded ordnance blew up killing one man on the spot and seriously injuring another.

The two men were using an electrical power saw to extract copper from a consignment of scrap metal transported from Isiolo when the explosion took place.

Police explosives experts have since visited the scene and investigations have been launched.

We are appealing to members of the public, in general, and scrap metal handlers, in particular, to treat suspicious looking metallic objects with extreme caution to prevent such unfortunate accidents.

Suspicious looking metals and other objects should be reported to the police immediately for safe and appropriate removal and destruction.

(GIDEON M. KIBUNJAH)
FOR: COMMISSIONER OF POLICE

16th August 2006