Dead and injured after explosion at oil facility in Guinea

Several people were killed in an explosion at the largest fuel depot in Guinea. According to the authorities, there are more than 150 injured. The fire appears to be under control – but the damage is extensive.

At least eleven people have died in an explosion at the largest fuel depot in Guinea. The dpa news agency reports at least 13 deaths and refers to a government announcement. The disaster control authority in the West African country said at least 88 people were seriously injured. The dpa reports that at least 178 people were injured in the accident in the capital Conakry. It is to be expected that the number of deaths will continue to rise, said civil protection chief Jean Traoré at a crisis meeting.

Explosion rocked city center

The explosion at the main hydrocarbon depot was preceded by a fire on Monday night, the government said in a statement. The exact cause of the disaster is still unclear. Information Minister Aminata Kaba said there was significant damage.

According to witnesses, the explosion at midnight shattered several windows in nearby houses. Hundreds of people in the center of the capital Conakry fled the explosion and fire. Hours later the flames had not yet been extinguished. However, the fire brigade has the fire largely under control, it was said. The authorities had cordoned off a large area of ​​the port district and numerous rescue workers were on duty.

Military junta promises investigation

It is still unclear how extensive the damage to the depot is. West African Guinea is not an oil producer and therefore relies on oil imports. Most of these are stored in the affected fuel depot and distributed by truck throughout the country.

Since autumn 2021, a military junta led by Colonel Mamadi Doumbouya has ruled the West African country of Guinea following a coup. He had promised to hand over power to an elected civilian government by January 2026.

President Doumbouya announced an investigation into the cause of the accident. The government had closed schools and universities and asked employees in private and public companies to stay at home. The only exceptions were medical personnel, the military and security services.

With information from Dunja Sadaqi, ARD studio Rabat