Guinea/Big explosion in Conakry: An investigation is announced

In Conakry, the Guinean capital, a loud explosion followed by a large fire was recorded on the night of Sunday 17 December to Monday 18 December 2023, at around 00:00 precisely.

According to a government press release, the incident occurred at the main oil depot of the Guinean Oil Company (SGP) in the town of Kaloum.

While no precise toll has yet been established, the media are reporting extensive damage and a large number of casualties.

In a press release issued on Monday morning, the Guinean government announced the opening of an enquiry to establish the causes and responsibilities.

It also announced that a progress report would be issued within the next few hours.

The population is being asked to move away from the site until the situation is fully under control.

It has also been decided to close schools and service stations. Public and private sector workers have also been asked to stay at home, with the exception of the defence and security forces.

Images and videos shared on social networks show a huge fire and dozens of people walking on foot to flee the scene towards the suburbs.

Several injured people were also taken to Conakry’s two university hospitals.

As a reminder, the Coronthie district is home to the APT (African Petroleum Terminal), the only depot where all imported fuel is stored before being distributed to the country’s petrol stations.

Yann ETERNEL