Sierra Leone Explosion: Fuel tanker explosion in Sierra Leone kills over 100 people

Over 90 people have died after a massive explosion hit Sierra Leone’s capital, Freetown.

Fuel reportedly spilled down the roads before igniting and the resulting fire engulfed bystanders and vehicles at a very busy junction.

Footage broadcast by local media outlets showed badly charred bodies in the streets surrounding the tanker.

Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio said he was “deeply disturbed by the tragic fires and the horrendous loss of life” and his government would do “everything to support the affected families”.

The state-run mortuary is reported to have received more than 100 bodies and over 100 people are being treated in hospitals and health care centers around Freetown.

What we know about the Sierra Leone Explosion

The explosion happened at a busy junction outside the busy Choithram Supermarket in the Wellington region of the city at around 22.00 GMT on Friday.

One report said a bus full of people was completely burnt, while nearby shops and market stalls were caught up in the flames.

Also, people who flocked to the fuel truck to collect fuel while it was spilling were also burnt beyond recognition.

Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr described seeing “harrowing” photos  and videos on social media and said there were “rumours that more than 100 people have lost their lives”.

“The video and photo footage making rounds on social media are harrowing, There are rumours that more than 100 people have lost their lives.”

 

Below are more pictures from the scene of the deadly inferno.