In a devastating incident on Monday, the death toll from an explosion at Conakry’s main oil terminal has risen to 13, with 88 people reported injured.
The blast, which rocked the Kaloum administrative district, shattered nearby homes and triggered mass evacuations. The government expressed concerns about potential repercussions for the wider population.
While the extent of damage to the non-producing nation’s terminal remains unclear, the government vowed to launch an investigation into the unknown origin of the fire.
Guinea, heavily reliant on imported refined products stored in the Kaloum terminal, faces potential consequences that could impact its citizens directly.
Firefighters successfully contained the blaze by Monday afternoon, but earlier scenes of massive fires and billowing black smoke had alarmed residents. With schools, gas stations, and businesses closed, workers were advised to stay home.
In a ripple effect, concerns over fuel shortages led to besieged gas stations in Mamou, approximately 260 km from Conakry.
As the investigation unfolds, questions about the cause and responsibility for the tragic incident linger, leaving a community in mourning and others on edge due to potential fuel price spikes on the black market.
