Renk Depot Explosions: SSPDF Division Commander blames high temperatures, rules out external interference

The commander of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) First Division in Renk, Major General Kulang Mayen, says high temperatures may have triggered explosions at the division’s ammunition depots, injuring civilians and soldiers. Mayen said the incident occurred at around 9 p. m. on Thursday at the First Division headquarters, also known as Jamus, in Renk town, Upper Nile State. He said the fire initially broke out at the armoured unit’s ammunition storage facility before spreading to the artillery depot, where different types of ammunition exploded.

According to Mayen, preliminary investigations have found no evidence of external involvement in the incident. He said the town recorded temperatures of up to 43 degrees Celsius on Thursday, which he believes may have contributed to the explosions. However, he said investigations were continuing, including questioning soldiers who were near the ammunition depots when the fire started. An investigative committee has also been established to determine the cause of the incident. The explosions reportedly injured several civilians and members of the organised forces. Renk Civil Hospital received civilians with shrapnel wounds. The successive blasts caused panic…