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 explosion tragically took 13 lives and injured 178 individuals. Occurring shortly after midnight, it has prompted concerns about a significant disruption in Guinea’s reliance on imported refined petroleum products.
The Guinean government reported that of the 178 people injured, a minimum of 89 have been treated and discharged. This information follows the initial estimates from Guinea’s Civil Protection Service. The deceased included several foreigners.
Investigations are ongoing to ascertain the cause of the explosion at this crucial fuel supply facility. Prior to the incident, the depot was in the process of being relocated to a more isolated area to prevent such disasters.
Due to the fire’s magnitude, evacuation was necessary for residents in the vicinity, as the area was engulfed in thick smoke. Local resident Mounatou Baldé recounted being awakened by a whistle-like sound and then a powerful explosion.
The government has temporarily closed schools and public places in Conakry, limiting access to the Kaloum district, except for essential services.
Colonel Mamadi Doumbouya, the Interim President since a coup in 2021, assured the public of the government’s commitment to care for the injured and called for national solidarity and prayer.
Ahmed Condé, a depot worker, recounted that the explosion happened during a shipping offloading process. Condé mourned the loss of several colleagues, including security and technical personnel, and described the complete destruction of the depot’s offices and equipment.
The blast and fire have caused significant damage in Kaloum, a key administrative and port district, which has now become eerily quiet, with residents evacuating and emergency services active in the area.
Security Minister Bachir Diallo announced on state television that the fire had been successfully contained. In response to the disaster, neighboring countries such as Senegal and Mali are offering medical and safety assistance to Guinea.