(Freetown) At least 92 people were killed in the explosion of a fuel depot on Friday night in the industrial zone of Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone, in West Africa, according to a new official report.
Sierra Leonean Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, who visited the scene on Saturday morning, reported 92 dead and “88 seriously burned” in intensive care. A previous assessment given by rescuers reported at least 80 dead.
A nurse at the hospital where the victims were taken confirmed to AFP that he had received many women, men and children with “serious injuries”.
According to eyewitnesses, the crash was caused by a tank truck that exploded at a gas station following an accident. The fire then spread throughout the neighborhood.
PHOTO SAIDU BAH, FRANCE-PRESSE AGENCY
Several charred bodies were found in cars and on adjacent streets.
In a message posted on Twitter on Saturday, President Julius Maada Bio said he was “deeply moved by the tragic fire and the horrific loss of life.”
“I would like to express my deep sympathy to the families who have lost loved ones and to those who have been mutilated”, he added, assuring that his government “will do everything to support the affected families”.
Sierra Leonean Vice President Mohamed Juledh Jalloh visited the site on Saturday morning, accompanied by a delegation.
For her part, the mayor of Freetown, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, said in a statement posted on Facebook “deeply saddened”. “The videos and photos circulating on social networks are heartbreaking,” added Mme Aki-Sawyerr, who regretted not being able to attend in person as she was traveling abroad.