Australian man among two killed in Solomon Islands blast

An Australian man is among two people left dead when an explosion ripped through a residential street in the Solomon Islands yesterday.

Police say the two men, one Australian and one British national, were working for Non-Government Organisation Norwegian Peoples Aid, performing sweeps for World War II explosives when the blast occurred.

"This is a tragic accident. So far, we know that there has been an explosion with fatal consequences," Mr Nergaard said in a statement.

"Our main priority now is to offer assistance to relatives and colleagues, and to clarify what has happened."

Both men were treated for their injuries at the scene, but died at hospital a short time later.

Inspector Clifford Tunuki said police spent the night clearing the explosion site in a residential area in the capital Honiara.

"Explosives ordinance disposal officers will have to render the scene safe before forensics and other investigators access the scene to find out what happened," Inspector Tunuki told media.

A spokesperson for Norwegian Peoples Aid said they were "deeply sorry" for the "tragic accident" involving two of their staff.

"Our thoughts go to the relatives and good colleagues in this tragic time," Hakon Odegaard said.

Investigators say the explosives were present at a block of residential flats, which also serve as the project office.