The cause of the explosion that shook Grand-Bay more than two weeks ago is still veiled in mystery since the local and foreign investigators’ disagreement over it. While the local Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) speaks of traces of nitro-glycerine on site, the police seem to give more credit to the version of the FBI agents who maintain that the blast was caused by a gas leak.

After the blast, many theories were put forward and there were all sorts of rumours. But the government quickly reassured the public that the explosion was not a terrorist attack. They tended to believe that a gas leak had caused it and what remained to be ascertained was whether it was accidental or criminal. So far, the police have stuck to the gas leak version, but the FSL says it has found traces of nitro-glycerine, the main material in dynamite. The FSL should send a more elaborate report to the police this week.

Though the blast is nothing like Bali, FBI experts Ron Kelly and Rex Stockam, who came to help in the investigation, have asked as a precaution for a list of all tourists visiting Mauritius over the past three months. However, their preliminary report favours the gas leak theory. According to them, an important leak from the kitchen of La Langouste Grisée restaurant was the cause of the blast.

<B>Which is right?</B>

Yet, the owner, Benoit Ducray, is adamant that his restaurant abided by security norms. “All safety measures were respected by my professional and long-experienced staff.” He explains that the gas bottles used by the restaurant were found intact. He says he is sad to hear all the rumours about him. The fact that he was not often on the site after the blast gave rise to speculation. But he considers he could not do much there. “I am waiting for the report of the experts. But there is one thing that really annoys me. There are so many experts that the situation is confused. The FBI has a different version from the local investigators. Which is right?” he wonders.

The toxicological report on the engaged couple killed in the explosion is expected to shed more light. A foreign specialist was asked to come on site by an insurance company to find clues as to what really happened during that dreadful night.

Stakeholders in the economy believe that the explosion was an accident and favour the FBI theory. But Navin Ramgoolam, opposition leader, fears a “cover-up”. After his two private notice questions, he has the impression that there is “an attempt to manipulate people.” He says he has evidence that nitro-glycerine was found on the site. “Truth must be made public even if it could affect the tourist industry,” he declared.

It cannot be denied that the government hurried to declare that the explosion was accidental and due to a gas leak while the investigation was still on. The minister of Tourism released a communiqué, which was changed three times, one day after the attack. This could have sent out the wrong signals. The truth must be known but there is no reason to spread panic in the population already traumatised by the event and this is what the opposition leader’s attitude could do.