Explosion in Munitions Factory in Uzice, Serbia

According to Serbian media seven people died and fourteen were injured when an explosion took place in the munitions factory "Prvi Partizan" in Uzice around 2130 local time on 3 September 2009. The cause of the explosion is still being investigated and there are no early indications of what could have provoked the incident. It is believed that the explosion took place in the department for gunpowder filling which is located inside underground tunnels on the outskirts of the town. The resulting fire was quickly put out by the prompt intervention of the local fire brigade which intervened, together with emergency medical and rescue teams within minutes of the incident.

The SEESAC Team wishes to express our most sincere condolences to the relatives of the victims and the people of Uzice. SEESAC has extended through the UN Country Team an offer for assistance to the Serbian Government to mitigate the results of the explosion.