Guinea Conakry (Guinea): A blast at an oil port in Guinea's capital, Conakry, killed at least eight people and injured 84 others early Monday, Reuters reported, citing a senior officer.
An eye witness told Reuters that the explosion at the main oil port of the West African nation shook the Kaloum administrative district in downtown Conakry, blowing out the windows of many adjoining homes and sending hundreds of people running.
Firefighters raced to the scene, seeing a massive fire and billowing black smoke miles away as many tanker trucks, guarded by police and troops, were leaving the depot, the report said.
Guinea has no ability to refine oil and does not produce any oil. It imports refined goods, which are primarily transported throughout the nation by trucks after being stored at the Kaloum terminal.
It's unclear right now how much of the terminal has been damaged.
The country has a minor oil depot that is primarily utilised by mining companies at the port in Kamsar, which is located north of Conakry.
After firemen contained the fire, there was still a noticeable column of smoke and some flames later on Monday, according to the report.
According to a statement from the government, the cause of the fire is unknown, and an inquiry will be conducted to identify potential suspects.
"The government expresses its deep concern about this event, the scale and consequences of which could have a direct impact on the population," reported Reuters, citing the government.
It urged people to stay at home and said the schools would be closed on Monday.
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