Explosives held at Seychelles construction company lead to blast

The Providence Industrial area is located in Mahé (Photo: AdobeStock)

Seychelles’ President Wavel Ramkalawan has declared a state of emergency after an explosion at the Civil Construction Company Limited (CCCL) explosives store caused extensive damage to the Providence Industrial area and surrounding areas in Mahé, the largest islands in the Seychelles archipelago.

Reports suggest that the explosion occurred due to the detonation of four containers of explosives that were being used by the company. Civil Construction Company Limited (CCCL Seychelles) is one of the major providers of crusher and quarry products in the Seychelles.

Large-scale destruction has occurred across the island, with buildings destroyed, roads cracked and damage felt across the island.

Seychelles Nation national newspaper reported that President Ramkalawan said, “For the last 10 years there were major concerns about the stock of explosives. Four containers of explosives blew off [...] My heart is heavy right now and I know many families are being affected.”

According to Ramkalawan, authorities will conduct a series of assessments on explosives storage standards.

International Construction has attempted to contact CCCL for comment.