Posted on 04/23/2004 2:15:13 AM PDT by Oldeconomybuyer
North Korea has released information for the first time on yesterday's explosion in the northwest of the country, which caused many casualties.
Reports reaching neighbouring countries have said two trains carrying fuel oil collided at a station in the town of Ryongchon, causing an explosion that killed up to 3,000 people.
Speaking to RTÉ Radio from Pyongyang, the regional director of the Irish aid agency Concern, Ann O'Mahony, said North Korean officials had released information about the accident in response to requests from international representatives.
The officials said the explosion had been caused by dynamite and they gave much lower casualty figures of 150 dead and 1,000 injured.
Ms O'Mahony also said the authorities had invited foreign representatives, including the International Red Cross, to visit the scene tomorrow.
A state of emergency is reported to have been declared by North Korea.
Earlier, the US said it is willing to help if required.
Satellite pictures show large clouds of black smoke above the town. Reports say the collision appears to have been accidental.
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