A Chinese government delegation arrived in Zambian capital Lusaka on Saturday evening to help handle the aftermath of the explosion accident at a Chinese owned industrial explosive factory in the Copperbelt province.

The delegation will meet Zambian leaders to convey the sympathyof the Chinese government and people to the families and relativesof those killed or injured in the accident at BGRIMM Explosive (Zambia) Ltd. in Chambezi, about 400 km north of Lusaka.

Forty-six workers were killed and two others injured in the accident that occurred Wednesday, which also completely destroyed the factory.

The delegation will visit the site of the explosion and meet family members of the victims. They are also expected to attend the mass funeral scheduled for Monday, which will be graced by Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa.

The delegation will also help investigate the cause of the accident.

The 24-member delegation, headed by assistant minister of commerce Chen Jian, came to Zambia by a chartered plane. Among thedelegation are officials from the Foreign Ministry, the Ministry of Commerce and officials and experts from BGRIMM headquarters in Beijing.

Also arrived with the delegation are six tons of blankets, foodand other items that will be distributed to families of the victims.

Zambian Deputy Mines Minister Ackimson Banda met the delegationat the airport.

Source: Xinhua