35 Die as Fire Engulfs Smuggled Petrol Depot

Seme-Krake, Benin Republic – In a devastating incident that unfolded on Saturday morning, a raging fire at a warehouse storing smuggled petrol from Nigeria has claimed the lives of at least 35 people, making it the deadliest fire outbreak of the year in Benin.

The inferno erupted at approximately 9:30 am, engulfing the clandestine petrol depot located in Seme-Krake, a town along the border with Nigeria in Benin’s southeastern Oueme department. According to initial reports by Bip Radio, firefighters struggled to contain the blaze, resulting in the tragic loss of lives.

Interior Minister Alassane Seidou conveyed the grim news to reporters, stating, “A serious fire occurred in the town of Seme Podji. Unfortunately, we have 34 deaths, including two infants. Their bodies are charred because the cause of the fire is smuggled fuel.”

Subsequently, Prosecutor Abdoubaki Adam-Bongle of the justice ministry revealed in an update that the death toll had risen to 35 as petrol was being unloaded into the warehouse. An investigation has been launched to ascertain the exact cause of the catastrophic blaze.

The fire not only consumed the storage facility but also ignited nearby houses and vehicles, as reported by Dallys Ahouangbegnon, chief of the local fire brigade. Seme-Krake, known for its proximity to Nigeria, often witnesses the smuggling of petrol due to its lower cost across the border.

This perilous trade, though profitable, has proved to be fraught with dangers, as the product is typically stored under precarious conditions, leading to frequent fire incidents with significant casualties. Saturday’s tragedy surpasses the toll of the fire that struck Dassa-Zoumé on January 29, 2023, where more than 20 lives were lost, and many were left with severe burns.

In response to the earlier tragedy, the government had offered support to survivors with third-degree burns and conducted DNA tests to ensure dignified burials for the victims. However, the Seme-Krake fire now stands as a grim reminder of the ongoing risks associated with the smuggling of petrol in Benin, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced safety measures in this perilous trade.