US port shut as containers with explosives punctured

The US East Coast port of Morehead City, North Carolina, which handles rubber imports and chemical cargoes, was closed and evacuated on Tuesday after several drums containing powerful explosives were accidentally punctured, authorities said. The mayor of Morehead City said that the explosives contained in the drums was used by the military and licensed demolition experts.The police spokeswoman said that the port was shut down and evacuated as a precautionary measure. An evacuation recommendation was also issued for downtown Morehead City. Military explosives experts, police and fire officials reached the scene. Further investigation is underway. The port is one of the deepest on the US East Coast and the traffic often includes imports of chemicals such as sulphur and phosphates.