Pyongyang (AsiaNews/Agencies) North Korea officially confirmed the train accident occurred in Ryongchon on 22 April, saying the damage is "very serious" and expressed its willingness to accept international aid.
For the first time, today the state-controlled KCNA news agency reported news of the tragic incident, saying that the explosion was due to "electrical contact caused by carelessness during the shunting of wagons loaded with ammonium nitrate fertilizer and tank wagons". It did not give further details, such as the number of deaths or injured.
"The DPRK government is doing its utmost to recover from the damage caused by the accident as early as possible and help the living of the people in the afflicted area return to normal". The statement ends: "It appreciates the willingness expressed by the governments of various countries and international bodies and organizations to render humanitarian assistance to the DPRK".
According to the South-korean news agency Yonhap, it is rare for Pyongyang to officially confirm an accident so quickly, reflecting the seriousness of the damage resulting from the explosion.
The agency reports that Seoul decided to send 1 million US dollars worth of medicine and other emergency relief goods to North Korea.
In an interview with South Korea's Munhwa Broadcasting Company, U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell said that America is trying to respond to humanitarian crises around the world, but has had no requests from North Korea.
Regarding suspicions raised of an assassination attempt, Powel said: "I've seen no evidence, nor have I read anything in the press to suggest it was a terroristic attack or anything like that. It seems to be an accident". (MR)