A fatal explosion at the sole oil terminal in Guinea’s capital, Conakry, claimed the lives of at least eight individuals and left 84 others injured early on Monday, according to a senior police official cited by Reuters. The officer emphasized that the casualty count was provisional and assured that efforts were underway to contain the ensuing blaze.
The explosion, which occurred in downtown Conakry, specifically in the Kaloum administrative district, resulted in shattered windows in nearby residences and prompted the evacuation of hundreds, as witnesses recounted. Reports from AFP indicated that the fire ignited shortly after midnight, manifesting as a substantial inferno with billowing black smoke visible from a considerable distance. Firefighters swiftly responded to the scene, accompanied by tanker trucks departing the depot under the escort of soldiers and police.
The gravity of the situation prompted the government to take precautionary measures, declaring the closure of schools in the capital and urging both private and public sector employees to remain at home. A government statement highlighted the unknown cause of the fire and acknowledged that its “scale and consequences could have a direct impact on the population.”
It is essential to note that Guinea, despite lacking oil production and refining capabilities, relies on imports of refined products stored primarily at the Kaloum terminal. These products are then distributed throughout the country via trucks. The extent of the damage inflicted on the terminal remains unclear, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive assessment of the incident’s implications.
