Ethiopian capital blast death toll reaches eight

By Tesfa-alem Tekle

September 9, 2008(ADDIS ABABA) — The number of people who died of last Wednesday’s explosion near the main bus terminal of the capital hit 8 after three more people died in hospitals, Federal police spokesperson said.

“The explosion has killed 4 people immediately, a dead body was later found buried at the place the explosion took place and three more are now confirmed to have died in hospitals after suffering serious injuries” Commander Demsash Hailu told Sudan Tribune.

“With a number of people still hospitalized on a serious condition the death toll still could raise” He added

The official confirmed that the incident wasn’t a deliberate attack from anti-peace elements.

“The investigation of our experts have indicated that the explosion was not caused by a bomb from enemies” Demsash said adding “The explosion occurred after fuel cylinders and gasoline at the DSTV room went off by a fire triggered from a nearby welding machine”

The explosion that occurred last Wednesday is also reported to have wounded 24 more.

After Ethiopia and Eritrea fought bloody border war during 1998-2000, Ethiopia has been blaming arch-foe Eritrea for several bomb explosions across the nation, which Eritrea denies to all charges.

(ST)