UN Secretary General António Guterres has extended his deep condolences to the people and government of Sierra Leone over the extensive loss of lives in a tragic accident in the capital, Freetown.
Guterres, in a statement by his spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric on Saturday, also wished those injured in the petrol fire a speedy recovery.
According to reports, at least 99 people were killed and more than 100 others injured in Sierra Leone late Friday when a fuel tanker exploded following a collision with another vehicle on a busy street in Freetown.
According to eyewitnesses, “many people rushed to the fuel-laden tanker to siphon off petrol after the collision with containers and shortly afterwards, the truck exploded.’’
Some surrounding shops and vehicles caught fire, the witnesses said.
“The secretary-general is deeply saddened by the extensive loss of lives following the road accident on Friday in Freetown, Sierra Leone, in which dozens were killed and many more injured when a fuel tanker exploded in an urban area.
“The UN chief extends his deep condolences to the people and government of Sierra Leone and wishes those injured a speedy recovery,’’ Dujarric said.
According to him, the UN is prepared to provide needed support in the aftermath of the tragic incident. (NAN)