150 killed in munitions depot blasts

"We count at least 150 dead in the military hospitals and around 1,500 injured, some of them seriously," , a European diplomat said when contacted by telephone from Paris, after explosions rocked the Mpila military barracks in the east of the capital. AFP correspondents in Brazzaville had earlier reported seeing four bodies, including that of a young girl, in a clinic near the barracks, while the Chinese Xinhua news agency said three Chinese workers were killed and dozens injured in the blasts. A number of wounded, many wearing military uniforms, were also seen receiving first aid in the streets, an AFP correspondent said. The blasts, which even blew out windows across the Congo River in Kinshasa, were set off by a blaze in two munition depots in the Mpila armoured brigade barracks, in the east of Brazzaville, according to soldiers who refused to be named. A diplomat told AFP the incident "is not political and the president (Sassou Nguesso) is with the chief-of-staff to coordinate operations". There was no official word from the government on the cause of the explosions, or damage sustained. A diplomat said firefighters were finding it hard to fight the blaze because of ongoing explosions. A number of houses were completely destroyed, while others saw windows and doors were blown away and roofs lifted, an AFP correspondent said. A Catholic church, close to the barracks, was also damaged when the explosions occurred during Sunday mass. "It s a munitions depot that caught fire in Mpila. That s next to the presidential palace. I saw two people injured. One had a leg injury, the other a wound to the shoulder," a woman living in Brazzaville told AFP. "They had probably been hurt by falling debris from houses. A wall fell down in my home," she added. "There are many people on the street. They are running away, barefoot, carrying parcels on their heads. Some are hardly dresssed. There are no cars, no buses, no taxis," she added. River traffic between Kinshasa and Brazzaville was also suspended, a Kinshasa port official said. Xinhua news agency said some 140 Chinese workers from the Beijing Construction Engineering Group were working near the munitions depot when the blasts occurred. The dormitory building of China s Huawei company was badly damaged, but there were no casualties reported there, Chinese officials said. At least five strong explosions were heard between 8:00 am (0700 GMT) and 10:45 am (0945 GMT). A plume of smoke could be seen over Brazzaville from across the Congo River in Kinshasa, capital of neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo. In addition to the blasts, there were other weaker detonations which continued into the late morning. On the opposite river bank, in Kinshasa, several buildings had their windows blown out, and a church in the centre of town also suffered damage, a cleric said.

Putin wins presidency

Putin secured a new six-year term in the Kremlin and a mandate to deal with opposition protests after a vote that opponents said was marred by fraud. Two television exit polls, released after voting ended at 1700 GMT, forecast the former KGB spy would win 59.3 and 58.3 percent of the votes, enough to make a runoff against the second-placed candidate unnecessary. His nearest rival, communist Gennady Zyuganov, fell short of 20 percent in both polls. Putin's opponents said voting in many parts of the vast country was skewed to help him return to the presidency after four years as prime minister and vowed to step up the biggest protests since he rose to power 12 years ago. But although they portray him as an authoritarian ruler who is out of touch, his victory had not been in any doubt. The main challenge for Putin, credited by many Russians credit with rebuilding the country s image and overseeing an economic boom, was to win outright in the first round. "I think the elections will be legitimate, fair, and Putin will win in the first round, unless the court rules otherwise," Putin s spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, was shown saying on Internet and cable television channel TV Dozhd before voting ended. Putin was likely to portray the victory as strong backing against the opposition protesters, although he has promised not to crack down on them. He is also expected to return to the Kremlin with tough fighting talk against the West, a trademark of his first presidency and election campaign. Some voters expressed anger at being offered no real choice in a vote pitting Putin against four others – communist Zyuganov, nationalist Vladimir Zhirinovsky, ex-parliamentary speaker Sergei Mironov and billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov. Others said Putin, 59, who has portrayed himself as a man of action and guardian of stability, was the tough national leader the world s biggest country and energy producer needed. "I voted for Putin because he was a good president and our children were looked after and that s all. That s how I feel," said Maria Fedotova, a 92-year-old grandmother wrapped up in fur coat and hat, flanked by relatives.

Manchester City win over Bolton

Leaders Manchester City coasted to an 18th straight home league win after Gretar Steinsson s own goal and a Mario Balotelli effort helped them to a 2-0 success over Bolton Wanderers on Saturday. City move five points clear at the top of the Premier League table, with second-placed Manchester United facing Tottenham Hotspur, who sit third, on Sunday. Roberto Mancini s team were a long way from their best but their win was never in doubt after Gael Clichy s drive flew in off Steinsson mid-way through the first half. They had to wait another 46 minutes to double their advantage when Balotelli, who was left out of the Italy squad for the mid-week friendly with the United States, slammed in from close range. Mancini's side now entertain Chelsea and head to Arsenal in the next run of seven games before they host United, who have a simple run after Sunday s game at Spurs.