Mayor of Freetown, Her Worship Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr extended her condolence to the fire victims which saddened event took place on 5th November, 2021 at around 10:00 PM at Wellington in Freetown.

The incident occurred as a result of forty feet NP fuel tanker colliding with a tipper truck that led to the spill of fuel from the tank. According to sources and videos, residents around rushed to fetch the fuel as it was spilling all over the street. Unfortunately, the fuel tanker exploded and led to over 400 unconfirmed deaths, destruction of vehicles, motorbikes, shops, business tables and many other properties.

As the mother of Freetown city, Her Worship who is presently in Glasgow attending the COP26 Climate Change Summit has dispatched her team to the scene.

“I am deeply saddened to hear about an explosion along Bai Bureh Road, Wellington, after a bowser carrying fuel collided with another truck.

The video and photo footage making rounds on social media are harrowing. There are unconfirmed rumors that more than 100 people have lost their lives. The extent of damage to property is unknown.

Even though I cannot be there in person, our Metropolitan Police and Deputy Mayor are at the scene, supporting the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), who is leading response. Freetown City Council’s Disaster Response Team along with the Councillor of the Ward, Cllr Arthur Shekie will meet NDMA first thing tomorrow morning to conduct needs assessment.

My sympathies go out to the families and loved ones of the victims of the explosion. May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace.

#FreetownMourns” – she mourned.