At least 78 people have been killed in a massive blast at an ammunition plant looted by Al Qaeda in the southern Yemen. The blasts shook the town of Jaar in the restive province of Abyan, a stronghold of Al Qaeda. The blast was so powerful that it could be heard 15 kilometres away. According to reports, the plant was seized by the ultras on Sunday amid clashes with government forces. A security official said the explosion came as dozens of residents were inside the factory helping themselves to whatever ammunition was left after yesterday's raid by suspected Al Qaeda fighters. It remained unclear if the cause was accidental or the result of a booby trap. Officials said bodies were still being recovered from the scene. They said the dead included women and children.