Sierra Leone: at least 92 dead after an explosion in a fuel depot in the capital – franceinfo

At least 92 people were killed in the explosion of a fuel depot on Friday (November 5th) in the industrial area of ​​Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone. “We have received a report from the Connaught Mortuary and other hospitals in Freetown” which counted the number of deaths, declared on the spot Saturday the vice-president of this country of West Africa, Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh. “Eighty-eight people with severe burns are in the intensive care unit at Connaught Hospital in Freetown”, he added, specifying that all survivors would be taken care of free of charge.

Witnesses said the tragedy was caused by a tank truck that exploded at a gas station after an accident. The fire then spread throughout the neighborhood. The majority of the victims are street vendors and motorcyclists who were trapped by the flames while trying to recover the fuel escaping from the tanker, told AFP a witness and volunteer rescuer, Jusu Jacka Yorma. Several charred bodies were found in still smoking car wrecks amid the ashes, as well as in adjacent streets.

In a message posted on Twitter on Saturday, the president, Julius Maada Bio, said to himself “deeply moved by the tragic fire and the horrific loss of life”. “I want to express my deep sympathy to the families who have lost loved ones and to those who have been mutilated”, he added, assuring that his government “will do[it] everything to support affected families “.

Deeply disturbed by the tragic fires and the horrendous loss of life around the Wellington PMB area. My profound sympathies with families who have lost loved ones and those who have been maimed as a result. My Government will do everything to support affected families. pic.twitter.com/xJRA1UtCJJ

– President Julius Maada Bio (@PresidentBio) November 6, 2021

For her part, the mayor of Freetown, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, said in a statement posted on Facebook. “deeply saddened”. “The videos and photos circulating on social networks are heartbreaking”, she said. She regretted not being able to go there because she was traveling abroad.