Several people are feared dead and dozens of others have been injured in Guinea’s capital, Conakry, following an explosion at a fuel depot in the Kaloum neighbourhood.
The explosion occurred in the early hours of Monday – shortly after midnight – and was accompanied by a fire, AFP news agency reports.
Privately-owned Le Courrier de Conakry news website reports that at least four people have died and about 100 others have been injured in the incident.
“Yes, there are deaths and injuries,” a senior police officer told Reuters news agency, adding that they were still doing the count.
The country’s military authorities have not yet commented on the incident, including whether any deaths have occurred.
Conakry’s two main hospitals, Ignace Deen and Donka are inundated with multiple injured patients, AFP reports.
The explosion blew off roofs and windows from buildings in the area, causing significant damage and forcing several to flee.
Kaloum is Conakry’s administrative centre where the presidency and most of the ministries are located.
A local resident has told AFP that police have barricaded the port area and firefighters have gone to the site of the explosion.