The South Korean Red Cross says Tuesday's flight into Pyongyang brought 70 tons of medical supplies destined for victims of the blast in the northwestern city of Ryongchon. A previous airlift last Friday brought first aid kits, blankets, medicine and other supplies.

It was the first time North Korea allowed a cargo plane with relief supplies from the South to fly over the heavily fortified Korean border.

The explosion April 22 left 161 people dead and 1,300 others injured. North Korean officials say the blast was sparked when a train carrying oil and chemicals hit power lines.

In addition to the cargo flights, Seoul is preparing to send trucks with aid overland to the North. The government in Pyongyang has asked for bulldozers, diesel fuel, cement and supplies for schools like desks and chairs.

But officials in the North will not let South Korean drivers go all the way to Ryongchon. Instead, the relief trucks will travel to the border town of Kaesong, where North Korean drivers will take over for the rest of the journey.

VOA News