Dozens of people were killed or injured when an explosion struck a fuel depot in Kaloum, a district that sits at the heart of Guinea’s capital, Conakry. The blast ignited a large fire that rapidly spread through the surrounding area, sending shockwaves through neighboring neighborhoods and triggering a substantial emergency response.
A journalist from Guinée News reported a scene of widespread injuries and fatalities, noting that the casualty toll was still unfolding as authorities gathered details. Le Courrier de Conakry cited at least four deaths in the Ignace Deen Hospital morgue, while officials cautioned that the final numbers had not yet been confirmed and were subject to ongoing verification by the emergency services and health authorities.
Details about the explosion’s triggers remained scant at the time, with no official statement identifying a precise cause. Kaloum houses the central government complex, including the Presidential Palace, the National Assembly, and numerous ministries, embassies, banks, and residential districts, all of which heightened the concern over potential risks to officials and residents alike.
Following the incident, Guinea’s transitional government, established after the September 2021 coup, described it as a “fire of unknown cause” that broke out at the main hydrocarbon depot of the Guinea Oil Company in Kaloum. Officials voiced deep concern about the event’s scale and its possible direct impact on the public, underscoring the need for immediate containment and safety measures.
emergency services were mobilized to minimize the consequences. The government urged public and private sector employees, excluding security, defense personnel, and healthcare workers, to stay home while authorities worked to secure the scene and prevent further harm. The public was instructed to avoid the area to facilitate rescue operations and response efforts.
Public and private schools were temporarily closed as a precaution while the government prepared to assess the situation in the hours ahead and launch an investigation to determine causes and responsibilities. This information was communicated through the Guinean government’s official social media channels, emphasizing transparency and the rapid sharing of updates as the situation evolved.
Witnesses described the moment with vivid detail, saying the force of the explosion felt like an earthquake, jolting people from their beds and triggering widespread panic across the commune. The blast left debris scattering across rooftops and streets, with screams and distress audible in many neighborhoods. Authorities urged calm, while rescue teams conducted searches for survivors and secured the area for medical and emergency responders to operate effectively.
In the hours following the incident, residents reported a mix of fear and vigilance, with many assessing potential exposure to smoke and fumes. Local hospitals prepared to receive more patients as triage and medical care procedures were implemented, and families anxiously awaited word about missing relatives and friends. The broader community watched closely as fresh updates emerged, and officials pledged to provide a full account of the event and its consequences as the investigation progressed.