Simon Ateba is Chief White House Correspondent for Today News Africa covering President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, U.S. government, UN, IMF, World Bank and other financial and international institutions in Washington and New York.
An oil tanker exploded on Friday in Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone, killing more than 90 people and wounding dozens others, authorities said.
The explosion, at a busy intersection, occurred after the oil tanker collided with a bus in the suburb of Wellington, and people crowded around the crash to collect leaking fuel.
The Mayor of Freetown Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr wrote on Facebook that 94 people had been confirmed dead and at least 92 others had been injured.
“What we Know so far. 92 injured (48 at Connaught Hospital, 6 at Choithrams. Hospital, 20 at 34 Military Hospital, 18 at Emergency Hospital). 94 confirmed dead at Connaught Mortuary. Potentially 4 corpses are still at scene of explosion.May their souls Rest In Peace,” Aki-Sawyerr wrote.
The mayor added, “I am deeply saddened to hear about an explosion along Bai Bureh Road, Wellington, after a bowser carrying fuel collided with another truck.The video and photo footage making rounds on social media are harrowing.
“There are unconfirmed rumors that more than 100 people have lost their lives. The extent of damage to property is unknown.Even though I cannot be there in person, our Metropolitan Police and Deputy Mayor are at the scene, supporting the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), who is leading response.
“Freetown City Council’s Disaster Response Team along with the Councillor of the Ward, Cllr Arthur Shekie will meet NDMA first thing tomorrow morning to conduct needs assessment. My sympathies go out to the families and loved ones of the victims of the explosion. May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace.”