As thick black smoke engulfed the sky, schools were forced to close, and workers were instructed to stay at home for their safety.
Disturbing images on social networks depicted residents fleeing the area affected by the blast, emphasizing the severity of the situation.
The government, in a midday statement, confirmed the tragic toll: “The provisional midday assessment is that 13 bodies have been brought to health facilities and 178 injured of Guinean and foreign nationalities.”
While 89 of the injured have been able to return home after receiving care, the gravity of the situation is evident.
Operational technical director for civil protection, Jean Traore, initially reported 11 dead and 88 seriously injured during a meeting with the foreign minister and ambassadors. Hospitals, including Ignace Deen and Donka, received dozens of injured individuals seeking medical attention.
Colonel Mamady Doumbouya, head of the ruling junta that took power in 2021, called for “solidarity and prayer for the nation in this difficult time” while awaiting the results of a government-ordered investigation.
The fire, now contained, caused extensive damage, prompting the closure of service stations nationwide.
Efforts to completely extinguish the fire are underway, with a crisis unit led by Security Minister Bachir Diallo coordinating response efforts.
Emergency rescue personnel from neighboring countries Senegal and Mali are expected to arrive soon, supporting the national health emergency plan.
International support has been expressed, with the European Union and the United States extending solidarity.
Despite the tragic circumstances, Guinea’s commitment to a return to civilian rule by January 2026, as promised by Colonel Doumbouya, remains a focal point.
As the investigation into the cause of the explosion unfolds, the nation grapples with the immediate aftermath of a disaster that has not only claimed lives but also left a lasting impact on the population.