AN explosion at a scrap metal yard in a northern city killed its owner and injured six others, four of them seriously, police said on Wednesday. It was unclear what caused the blast in Mzuzu, and an explosives expert had been sent to the scene to investigate. Witnesses said a huge explosion was heard in the scrap yard that sent seven people flying through the air. Peter Phiri, who was injured in the blast, said the scrap yard owner had bought scrap from a military installation in the northern Nkhata Bay district, and the explosion occurred as someone tried to prize a piece of metal loose from it. The owner died from sustained multiple fractures and head injuries at the Mzuzu Central Hospital. Another victim had to have his leg amputated, while a third severely injured his arm. – Sapa