Because the first large blast triggered a chain of explosions, it was several hours before emergency equipment and personnel could reach the site and bring the situation under control.President Hugo Chavez, who later toured the accident site, said he "would not speculate" on the cause but said it was "strange."

"A fire there is strange, and at that hour, more so. Everything indicates the depot was empty, it was a cool morning, these are massive warehouses, they do not have electrical systems, but well, anything is possible," Chavez said.

"It will be investigated scientifically, and surely we will reach a conclusion," the president added.Chavez said he regretted the death of a woman, 46, who was killed as the explosive wave expanded outward. Three other people were hurt when they were run over by vehicles in the panic surrounding the blast.The governor initially said some 40 people were injured by shrapnel or bullets, officials later said only three people

had been admitted to nearby hospitals.

The explosion at state military arms firm CAVIM occurred at about 4:45 am (0915 GMT), and the resulting blaze was visible for several miles. Residents were not allowed to return to their homes until the authorities had completed a search for grenades and other arms and explosives that may have been propelled into the surrounding neighborhoods.