Buenos Ayres village rocked by explosions

Residents of Buenos Ayres in Erin are calling on the relevant authorities to provide them with answers to the explosion which caused structural damage to their houses. They are claiming that they no longer feel secure that their homes can stand up if an earthquake is to hit. At about 2.30 pm on Saturday residents of the rural village were sent scampering outside their homes for safety, after hearing an explosion which rocked the village. The explosion which started a mass panic amongst villagers was caused by the destruction of old and obsolete dynamite, owned by the company, Halliburton. According to villagers  they were not informed of the scheduled operation which  began on Wednesday. Describing the experience as frightening, Valerie Gall said she was grateful for life. “The explosions on Saturday caused my house to shake severely. At the time I did not feel  safe, so I ran outside, but had to seek cover as a piece of metal flew right  past my head.

I want compensation for my house which received structural damage. My roof is now falling in, Gall said. Another resident, Lisa Nelson-Henry  reported hearing explosions up to late Saturday night, and is calling on the Environmental Management Agency to investigate to ensure that the atmosphere is safe. “ After the explosion, outside had a huge mushroom cloud. The air was yellow, and the cloud was black, yellow, red, green various colours. I believe they should compensate everyone in the area.  The structures of many houses were damaged, including mine.  We deserve answers.” Angry residents are stating that they were not informed of the operations which were carried out within 500 feet of their homes. Nelson- Henry said: “Officials of Halliburton have not directly spoken to the residents. On Saturday army officials along with unidentified men came around and took up the metal debris left behind.

We do not want them here. We deserve to know who gave the authorisation for the use of the private land. Who authorised the army to be there?” Fire officials attached to the Southern Divisional Fire Prevention Unit were up to late yesterday afternoon assessing the extent of the damage. Fire officer Cecil Davis stated that the estimate affected area was 600 metres in diameter. “The actual value of total losses has not yet been determined. Most of the damages recorded so far are minor. However, we will be conducting surveys today to ensure that all affected persons are reached.” Accounting Manager of Halliburton confirmed the blast and complaints made by residents, but remained tight-lipped about their authorisation for the operations. “The operations conducted was the destruction of old and obsolete charges.  Complaints were made by residents and officials attached to the company visited the area on Saturday and yesterday to assess the extent of the damage,” he said.