TOPLINE At least 92 people died and more than 100 were injured after an oil tanker exploded following a collision with a bus in the suburbs of Sierra Leone’s capital, Freetown, on Friday evening, according to authorities.
KEY FACTS
A mortuary at a hospital in Freetown said it saw 92 bodies by Saturday morning, while the chances of survival were slim for around 30 people being treated with severe burns, according to the Associated Press.
Victims included people who gathered to collect oil leaking from the tanker, according to Reuters.
The explosion happened at an intersection outside a busy supermarket in Wellington, a crowded suburb east of Freetown, the BBC reported.
Photos taken after the explosion showed piles of burnt cars and motorcycles.
Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr said the extent of property damage in Freetown was unclear.
KEY BACKGROUND
Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio said that he is “deeply disturbed” by the tragedy. He added that his government “will do everything” to support families who have been affected.
TANGENT
In March, a fire that broke out in one of the city’s slums left more than 80 injured and 5,000 people displaced, the BBC reported.
FURTHER READING
Ninety-nine killed in fuel tanker blast in Sierra Leone capital (Reuters)
Tanker Truck Explodes in Sierra Leone, Killing at Least 98 (New York Times)
Sierra Leone explosion: Scores dead after Freetown oil tanker collision (BBC)
By Lisa Kim, Forbes Staff