Explosion at Guinea Fuel Depot Causes Multiple Injuries

Following a blaze at Guinea’s main fuel depot, Guinean authorities have taken precautionary measures by closing schools and instructing workers to stay home in the capital. The incident has resulted in numerous injuries.

In the early hours of Monday, a massive explosion and subsequent fire in Conakry led to the emergence of thick black smoke, prompting residents to evacuate the area where the blast occurred, as depicted in images circulated on social networks.

The fire broke out in close proximity to the port shortly after midnight, according to reports from local media and accounts from residents contacted by AFP.

Later on Monday, the government issued a statement urging both private and public sector workers to remain at home, while also announcing the closure of public and private schools. The cause of the fire remains unknown, with officials highlighting the potential direct impact on the population owing to its “scale and consequences”.

Multiple individuals were reportedly injured, as mentioned by a doctor and local residents who informed AFP of the situation. “Dozens of injured people are arriving at two of Conakry’s main hospitals, Ignace Deen and Donka,” stated Mamadouba Sylla, a surgeon at Donka hospital.

Additionally, the government declared that service stations will remain closed, and pledged to issue a progress report in the coming hours, along with launching an investigation to determine the cause of the incident and identify those responsible.

Local resident Thierno Diallo provided insights over the phone, stating, “Kaloum is burning. The port area is completely barricaded by the police, and firefighters are rushing towards the (site) of the disaster.” Diallo, who identified himself as a customs officer, also emphasized that the power in the area had been completely cut off.

AFP