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 catastrophic event claimed the lives of 13 individuals and left at least 178 wounded. The explosion, occurring shortly after midnight, has raised concerns over potential major disruptions in Guinea’s fuel supply chain, a country heavily dependent on imported petroleum products.
Following the explosion, the Guinean government announced that of the 178 injured, at least 89 have been treated and released. This information comes in the wake of initial estimates provided by Guinea’s Civil Protection Service. The fatalities included a number of foreign nationals.
Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the blast at this key fuel supply facility. The depot was in the midst of relocating to a safer, more remote location to avoid such incidents.
The intensity of the blaze necessitated the evacuation of nearby residents, engulfing the vicinity in dense smoke. Mounatou Baldé, a local, recounted being startled awake by a whistling sound, followed by a thunderous blast.
In response, the government closed schools and public spaces in Conakry, restricting entry to Kaloum, and barring all but essential services.
Colonel Mamadi Doumbouya, the Interim President since a 2021 coup, pledged full state support for the injured and called for unity and prayer across the nation.
Ahmed Condé, an employee at the depot, reported the explosion occurred during a ship’s offloading process, mourning the loss of several colleagues, including security personnel and technical staff, and citing complete destruction of the facility’s offices and equipment.
Bachir Diallo, the Security Minister, confirmed in a statement on state television that the fire has been brought under control. Countries like Senegal and Mali are extending medical and safety aid to Guinea in light of this disaster.
The explosion and fire have inflicted considerable damage in Kaloum, a key administrative district and bustling port area, now rendered desolate as residents evacuate and emergency crews work on the scene.
