Sierra Leone declares 3 days of mourning after deadly tanker blast

DOUALA, Cameroon

Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio announced three days of mourning starting Monday followed by two days of prayers after a fuel tanker explosion in the capital Freetown’s eastern suburb of Wellington left more than 100 people dead.

"In solemn tribute to the departed faithful, I declare three days of national mourning from Monday, Nov. 8 to Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2021, throughout the Republic of Sierra Leone. Flags will be flown at half-mast. Prayers will be said for the deceased and the injured throughout Sierra Leone on Friday, Nov. 12, and Sunday, Nov. 14, respectively," Bio said in an official statement Sunday evening.

He said he was "deeply disturbed by the tragic fires and the horrific loss of life" and the government "will do everything to support the affected families."

Ninety-two victims with various degrees of burns have been admitted to hospitals in Freetown, according to the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA).

The NDMA has launched an emergency blood drive that will start from 8 a.m. Monday and continue 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

It also said the government has provided "sufficient medical supplies" to victims in the various hospitals.

The explosion of a loaded fuel tanker that had earlier collided with a truck carrying granite stones in Wellington resulted in the deaths of more than 100 people and the loss of properties, said the NDMA.

"The two vehicles collided on the highway as the tanker was about to enter a nearby gas station to unload its fuel," while at the same time, "both drivers got out of their vehicles and asked community residents to stay away from the scene while trying to repair a leak from the collision," the agency said.

It said that in the meantime, some community members rushed to the scene and took advantage of the leak to recover fuel and store it in makeshift structures nearby.

"The recovery of the fuel caused a major explosion which led to the fire that occurred," the NDMA said.

The African and international communities have expressed their sympathy to the West African country.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Saturday in a statement issued by his spokesman that he was "deeply saddened by the large loss of life."

"The United Nations stands ready to provide the necessary support in the wake of this tragic incident," he added.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), of which Sierra Leone is a member, also expressed "solidarity" following the tragic accident.

"We convey our condolences to the people and government of Sierra Leone and to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives and wish a speedy recovery to the injured," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey said in a note.

It also expressed "deep sorrow" over the incident.