A devastating fuel tanker explosion occurred earlier today on at Shell New Road Kissy in the East End of Freetown, Sierra Leone.
The area is currently enveloped in thick, dark smoke, with emergency services actively working to control the blaze. The exact cause of the explosion remains under investigation.
This incident is reminiscent of a tragic event on November 5, 2021, when a fuel tanker collided with a lorry in the Wellington area of Freetown. The collision led to a massive explosion, resulting in the deaths of 154 people and injuries to over 300 others. Many victims were caught in the blaze while attempting to collect leaking fuel from the tanker.
In response to the 2021 disaster, the Sierra Leonean government declared a three-day national mourning period and pledged to implement measures to prevent similar tragedies. However, today’s explosion raises concerns about the effectiveness of those measures and the need for improved safety protocols regarding fuel transportation and emergency response.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
