‘At least 84 killed’ as fuel tanker explodes in Sierra Leone

At least 84 people have been killed after a fuel tanker exploded in Wellington, a suburb of Sierra Leone’s capital, Freetown on Friday.

The explosion was said to have occurred after a bus collided with the tanker.

According to CNN, Mohamed Lamrane Bah, director of communications for Sierra Leone’s National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), said several people are in critical condition following the explosion.

He said those who were injured have been transferred to hospitals while bodies have been recovered.

He also said the rescue effort at the scene of the incident has ended.

Yvonne Ali-Sawyerr, mayor of Freetown, in a Facebook post, expressed sadness over the incident and commiserated with the family of victims.

“I am deeply saddened to hear about an explosion along Bai Bureh Road, Wellington, after a bowser carrying fuel collided with another truck,” she said.

“The video and photo footage making rounds on social media are harrowing. There are unconfirmed rumors that more than 100 people have lost their lives. The extent of damage to property is unknown.

“Even though I am not there in person, our Metropolitan Police and Deputy Mayor are at the scene, supporting the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), who is leading response. Freetown City Council’s Disaster Response Team along with the Councillor of the Ward, Cllr Arthur Shekie will meet NDMA first thing tomorrow morning to conduct needs assessment.

“My sympathies go out to the families and loved ones of the victims of the explosion. May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace.”

Also taking to Facebook, Juldeh Jalloh Sierra Leone’s vice-president, said: “We are all deeply saddened by this national tragedy, and it is indeed a difficult time for our country. I just visited the Connaught and 34 Hospitals, and by daybreak, I will head to the scene at Wellington. Together with the National Disaster Management Agency, the Sierra Leone Police, Medical practitioners, and all other responders, we will work tirelessly to ensure we mobilise emergency response in the wake of this unfortunate incident.”