The head of Guinea’s ruling military, Colonel Mamady Doumbouya, has announced a three-day national mourning in tribute to the victims of the deadly explosion and fire at the country’s main fuel depot in Conakry.
Foreign rescue and aid workers, along with the UN and volunteers, rallied Tuesday to help victims of the explosion and fire at Guinea’s main oil depot on Monday that killed 18 people, injured 212 others and prompted concerns about fuel supplies.
Volunteers collected food donations for those in need after the blast at the state oil company’s main depot in the Kaloum district of the capital, Conakry, near the port.
The explosion, whose cause is still unknown, wreaked damage to buildings over a radius of more than one kilometre (0.6 miles).
Windows were shattered in several buildings in the port area, including a modern district which is home to banks and insurance companies.
“Despite the efforts by medical teams, we lament four new deaths today, bringing the total to 18,” the government said in a statement.
“Of the 212 people treated by health workers, 127 have returned to their homes and 85 people are still hospitalised, including four in intensive care,” it said.
Dozens of people came forward to help in whatever way they could.
Accountant and business manager Mariame Diallo said she was going around shops collecting donations and taking them to a drop-off point at a mosque.
“We are in the process of collecting everything that goodwill brings us.”
Abdouramane Sylla – volunteer
“We have a vehicle loaned by the city hall to transport this material.”
International help was also on hand.
A 24-member team of Senegalese rescuers, including 15 military doctors and eight firefighting specialists, arrived late Monday, Senegal’s defence ministry said, adding that further teams would follow.
A French assistance and support team is on ground in the country, France’s foreign ministry said on social media.
And the United Nations said in a statement it was providing tents, water tanks, mobile toilets, medicines and other essential supplies.
