By Staff Reporter

A devastating explosion rocked the mining town of Redcliff early Sunday morning when 1,200 boxes of explosives detonated at the Buchwa Iron Mining Company (BIMCO) storage facility.

The blast, which occurred around 3AM, claimed the life of a security guard and caused damage to more than 80 homes, shops, garages, and the Redcliff Civic Centre.

Authorities suspect the explosion was triggered during an attempted theft.

According to Minister Owen Ncube, initial findings suggest suspected criminals tied up the security guard before trying to break into the storage room. The concrete structure housing the explosives was completely destroyed, sending shockwaves that damaged buildings across several suburbs.

Military and security forces, led by Brigadier-General Lawrence Munzararikwa, secured the area and warned that undetonated explosives might still be present. Residents have been advised to keep away until experts can assess all potential dangers.

Local officials, including Redcliff Mayor Vincent Masiiwa and Municipality spokesperson Michael Magoronga, confirmed the scale of the damage and recovery of tools believed to have been used by the suspects.

Many residents described being shaken from sleep by the blast, which cracked windows and walls in their homes.

Investigations by the Joint Operations Command (JOC) are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the explosion and the tragic death of the security guard.