On the night of Sunday to Monday, an explosion occurred at the main hydrocarbon depot in Conakry, the capital of Guinea. According to a provisional report published by the government on Tuesday 19 December 2023, the tragedy at the city’s port resulted in 14 deaths, 190 injuries and extensive material losses.
The fire was contained and brought under control in the afternoon of Monday 18 December 2023, and the fire brigade is still hard at work today, Tuesday 19 December 2023, to reduce the smoke that continues to billow from the site. The Guinean government has set up a crisis unit and an emergency plan that has enabled 190 people to be treated. According to a government press release, of the 190 people taken into care, 113 have returned to their families after completing the formalities.
The Guinean government took a number of measures following the incident. These include the closure of service stations throughout the country, the closure of public and private schools and the wearing of masks around the site. The government has informed the public that a judicial enquiry has been opened by the public prosecutor to determine the causes of the incident and who was responsible.
Tiba Kassamse OUEDRAOGO
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