VIDEO: At least 35 dead in Benin after massive fire erupts at illegal fuel depot
Story highlights
Oil smuggling is rampant in border areas of Benin, where illegal refineries, fuel dumps and pipelines have sprung up without any restrictions that process the fuel from neighbouring Nigeria.
A massive fire at an illegal fuel depot in Benin left at least 35 people dead on Saturday (Sept 23). The depot exploded into flames, leaving behind a thick cloud of black smoke in the sky.
The incident took place in the town of Seme-Podji near the border with Nigeria, a major oil producer state in Africa.
🚨[DRAME] Au #Bénin, un incendie s’est déclaré samedi dans un dépôt clandestin d’essence frelatée dans la localité de Sèmè-Kraké. Un premier bilan fait état de 33 morts (calcinés). 💔🇧🇯 pic.twitter.com/kzzL1JhEmM
— LSI AFRICA (@lsiafrica) September 23, 2023
Oil smuggling is rampant in border areas of Benin, where illegal refineries, fuel dumps and pipelines have sprung up without any restrictions. Cars, motorbikes and tricycle taxis often use their services for refuelling. Due to mismanagement and lack of safety measures, fire incidents are quite common in these illegal facilities.
What caused the incident?
trending now
)
Hamas-run govt says 700 Palestinians killed in 24 hours as Israel intensifies operations across Gaza
)
India state election results: PM Modi's BJP scores a sweeping 3/4 in crucial test before 2024 final
)
Morning brief: Ex-US ambassador to Bolivia arrested, and more
)
New York stabbing attack: Four killed in Queens neighbourhood as police shoots suspect dead
)
New Zealand on edge: Suspicious packages with fake baby covered in blood found outside US, Israeli embassies
)
This groundbreaking new drug is all set to increase life span of large dogs
)
US shoots down drones, assists multiple commercial vessels attacked in Red Sea by Yemen’s Houthis
)
Indian PM Modi hails four-state election results as victory of 'politics of development'
)
When Tom Hanks worked as Bellman and delivered a bag to Cher in her hotel room
)
CID star Dinesh Phadnis aka Fredericks is on ventilator support: Report
)
Taylor Swift, Simone Biles bring star-power to stand during Packers vs Chiefs
)
Telangana election results 2023: BRS concedes defeat, extends congratulations to Congress
)
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire trailer out! Titans team up to battle new monsterverse villain
)
Ranbir Kapoor's Animal is a massive hit, crosses Rs 200 crore mark worldwide
)
NY fashion designer Mrinalini Kumari who's dressed Beyonce wants Indian artisans to get the spotlight
According to Prosecutor Abdoubaki Adam-Bongle, the fire probably started during the unloading of bags of gasoline.
“The fire burned down the store and according to an initial assessment resulted in 35 deaths including one child,” Prosecutor Abdoubaki Adam-Bongle in a statement.
Watch: African rhinos number rise for the first time in a decade
He said more than a dozen others were left seriously injured and are being treated in hospital.
Benin’s Interior Minister Alassane Seidou said the “cause of the fire is smuggled fuel”. He said the blaze left the bodies of the victims “badly charred”.
Reactions from locals
People who live nearby expressed shock at the incident and said the flames were so strong that nobody could extend a helping hand to the victims.
“I live not far from the tragedy,” Semevo Nounagnon, a local bike driver, told the AFP news agency.
“I can’t really give you the cause of the fire, but there is a large gasoline warehouse here and cars, tricycles and motorcycles come from morning to evening.”
“We heard people screaming for help. But the intensity of the flames was too much for people to try to approach,” said Innocent Sidokpohou, a local carpenter.
“I got gas for my motorbike to go do my shopping. I left and barely five metres away I heard an explosion. When I turned around it was all black smoke,” he added.
)
