In the early hours of Monday, December 18, 2023, an explosion followed by a massive inferno at the Guinean Petroleum Company’s main fuel depot in Conakry, the capital city of Guinea, resulted in significant casualties and widespread disruption.
The incident left at least 13 people dead and 178 others injured, according to official statements. The explosion, which occurred shortly after midnight, has sparked fears of a major supply disruption in a nation heavily reliant on imported refined petroleum products.
The Guinean government, in response to the calamity, said that out of the 178 injured, at least 89 people have received treatment and returned home. This update on the casualty figures comes after the Civil Protection Service of Guinea initially provided provisional numbers. Amongst the deceased were several foreigners.
The incident has triggered an investigation to find out the cause of the explosion at the depot, which is a critical supplier of fuel for Guinea. Prior to the disaster, the depot was undergoing a relocation process to a more remote site, aimed at preventing such catastrophes.
The fire’s magnitude led to the evacuation of many residents as thick smoke enveloped the area. A local resident, Mounatou Baldé, described being woken up by a whistle-like sound followed by a deafening explosion.
The government promptly took measures to shut down schools and public spaces in the capital, restricting access to the Kaloum district except for essential services.
Interim President, Colonel Mamadi Doumbouya, who assumed power following a coup in 2021, assured that the state is fully caring for those injured and called for national solidarity and prayer.
A worker at the depot, Ahmed Condé, reported that the explosion happened during a ship’s offloading process. Condé lamented the loss of several colleagues, including guards and technicians, and reported the destruction of all offices and equipment at the depot.
Security Minister Bachir Diallo, in a statement on state television, confirmed that the fire had been contained. Additionally, countries like Senegal and Mali are providing medical and safety assistance to Guinea in the wake of this disaster.
The explosion and resulting fire have caused considerable damage in Kaloum, an administrative district housing most government offices. The usually bustling port district bore the appearance of a deserted city in the aftermath, with residents fleeing and civil protection vehicles being dispatched to the scene.
