A devastating explosion occurred on October 6 at an automobile garage in Farako2, a district in the urban commune of Kankan, in the Haute-Guinée region. The blast, caused by a welding gas cylinder, resulted in at least two fatalities, several injuries, and significant damage to nearby properties. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with panic spreading rapidly throughout the area.
The explosion occurred while a master welder and his apprentice were working with the gas cylinder. According to Cheick Keïta, a metalworker, the two individuals died instantly. Several others were injured and taken to Kankan's prefectural hospital for treatment. The blast also caused significant damage to nearby vehicles, with shattered windshields and damaged hoods reported.
The explosion sent shockwaves through the neighborhood, causing widespread panic. A local resident, who wished to remain anonymous, described the moment of the blast: "We heard a loud noise, and some people thought it was a bomb. I thought it was an exploding solar panel." The resident reported that her home suffered damage, including a destroyed ceiling, damaged toilet walls, and a destroyed wardrobe.
In response to the tragedy, a delegation from the commune, led by Mayor Lamine Labo Kourouma, visited the victims at the hospital. The mayor offered condolences to the families of the deceased and promised to increase awareness among workers to minimize the risks associated with their profession. He emphasized that the accident was likely caused by a lack of knowledge about the potential dangers of their equipment.
Mayor Kourouma urged the victims' families to find solace in their faith, stating that "we can only console the parents of the victims, because God has given and taken back." He also promised to take precautions to prevent similar accidents in the future, saying that "we will take all necessary precautions to multiply awareness among workers, so that the risks associated with work accidents are minimized."
The explosion has raised concerns about safety standards in Kankan's industrial areas. While the mayor was cautious not to provide a definitive toll, pending medical reports, he acknowledged that the accident was likely preventable. An investigation into the incident is expected to shed more light on the circumstances surrounding the explosion.
The community is in shock, and the incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety in the workplace. As the town begins to come to terms with the tragedy, residents are calling for increased vigilance and regulation to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Key points
- Two people died in the explosion, and several others were injured.
- The explosion was caused by a welding gas cylinder at an automobile garage.
- The mayor has promised to increase awareness among workers to minimize the risks associated with their profession.
