Benin: Government orders assessment after deadly fuel depot inferno

Following the horrific explosion that killed scores of people over the weekend, the Beninese government has ordered an inspection of all fuel storage facilities in the affected area.

On Saturday, at least 34 people were killed in an explosion at a fuel storage in southern Benin.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Decentralisation and Governance, the order for an “exhaustive assessment” of all fuel depots was issued to prevent a similar situation from happening in other places.

“Despite raising awareness and measures taken by the government to limit smuggling activities, particularly those linked to the storage and sale of gasoline across the country, certain people continue to store gasoline in inappropriate places,” it warned.

Over the weekend, Benin’s Interior Minister Alassane Seidou told reporters the inferno killed dozens of children including two children.

“Unfortunately we have 34 deaths including two babies. Their bodies are charred because the cause of the fire is smuggled fuel,” the official said.

The minister said another 20 people were being treated in hospital, including some in serious condition.

Smuggled petrol from Nigeria continues to thrive in Benin despite the federal government’s recent removal of fuel subsidies which drove up fuel prices.

Thousands of litres of petrol sold on Benin’s streets come from stations situated along the Benin-Nigeria border

Smuggling of the product may be profitable but comes with major risks including explosions.