Statement from U.S. Embassy on Bomb Explosions in Dar

From: DAR CA-ACS (Dar Es Salaam ) drsacs@state.gov
Subject: From US Embassy on explosions in Dar es Salaam (28 April 2009)
Date: Wednesday, April 29, 2009, 5:30 AM

Before noon today (28 April 2009), bombs stored at a munitions storagefacility in Mbagala, Dar es Salaam, accidently exploded. We have beentold that the situation is not yet contained and there could be furtherexplosions.We have been told that the authorities are evacuating the downtown area.The British High Commission, located downtown, has closed. The UnitedStates Government Center for Disease Control offices downtown are alsoclosing. The Embassy compound in Msasani remains open.

We have varying reports as to what extent flight operations at the airport may beaffected.American citizens are advised to avoid downtown and the area aroundMbagala. Americans should follow news reports closely. We will updateas we get more information.Updated information on travel and security in Tanzania may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in theUnited States and Canada, or for callers outside the United States andCanada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. For further informationplease consult the Country Specific Information for Tanzania, the East Africa Travel Alert, and the Worldwide Caution Travel Alert, which areavailable on the Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website athttp://travel.state.gov <http://travel.state.gov/> .

The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Tanzania can be contacted bytelephone [255](22) 266-8001 x 4122 and fax [255](22) 266-8238. You may also contact the U.S. Embassy in Tanzania via email atdrsacs@state.gov.After hours American Citizen emergencies should call [255](22) 266-8001.