CONAKRY, Dec 19: An explosion at a fuel depot in Guinea has claimed the lives of 14 people, with 178 others injured.
The incident, which occurred around midnight on Monday, has significant repercussions as the fuel depot is the sole provider for the entire Republic of Guinea.
The widespread impact led to the closure of schools and work suspension, with thick smoke engulfing the area.
Guinea’s Minister of Health, Oumar Djouhe Bah said in a press conference that the fire is now under control after intense efforts to contain it.
“From the 178 people, 113 of them were discharged and have returned to their families.
“Even so, all of our public and health facilities were put to high alert to provide free medical treatment to victims and affected people,” he said during the press conference.
Additionally, Guinea’s Minister of Security and Civil Protection, Bachir Diallo said the explosion gained international solidarity.
He said that Senegal has dispatched a team of doctors and fire-fighting specialist to the scene while teams from Mali and other countries are making their way to Conakry. – TVS
