In Guinea’s capital, Conakry, early on Monday, an oil terminal explosion shocked the city, resulting in the loss of at least eight lives and leaving 84 individuals injured. The explosion occurred at the nation’s sole oil terminal located in the Kaloum administrative district, causing damage to nearby homes and evacuation of hundreds of residents.
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Eyewitnesses reported windows of several nearby homes being blown out, and hundreds of residents fleeing.
The blast, which occurred at the West African nation’s only oil terminal, news spread through the Kaloum district, windows in the vicinity and forcing residents to flee in the aftermath.
According to eyewitnesses, the explosion took place shortly after midnight, igniting a fire that sent billowing black smoke visible from miles away.
Firefighters mobilized to the scene, accompanied by several tanker trucks leaving the depot, escorted by soldiers and police.
The toll stands at a provisional count of eight fatalities and 84 injuries, as reported by a senior police officer.
The injured individuals were provided with medical assistance, and efforts were underway to contain the blaze and damage.
The incident has a state of mourning and concern, with the government taking measures to address the situation.
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The explosion and fire resulted in damage to the Kaloum administrative district, with the windows of nearby homes blown out and the immediate vicinity evacuated.
The scale of the impact and the consequences for the affected population are of concern, the government to issue a statement urging people to stay at home.
Additionally, schools in the capital were closed as a precautionary measure. The government of Guinea mobilized resources to address the situation.
A statement released by the government expressed concern about the event’s scale and consequences, acknowledging the direct impact on the population.
The statement outlined the closure of schools in the capital and called for both private and public sector workers to stay home.
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The government’s focus was on containing the blaze, determining the cause of the fire, and assessing the damage to the oil terminal.
Guinea, despite not being an oil producer, relies on imports of refined products stored in the Kaloum terminal. These products are distributed across the country via tanker trucks.
As of now, the cause of the fire remains unknown, the government to launch a thorough investigation. The origin of the fire is a critical aspect that will be to determine whether the incident was accidental or if there are any indications of foul play.
The investigation will also identify responsible parties and establish accountability. The government’s closure of schools and the urging of workers to stay at home the immediate impact of the incident on the daily lives of Conakry’s residents.
The Guinean government took measures to ensure public safety. A statement was issued announcing the closure of schools in the capital, urging workers to stay at home. The toll of eight casualties and 84 injuries underlines the situation.
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