A devastating fire ripped through a house near Guinea’s capital Conakry in the early hours of Wednesday morning, claiming the lives of ten people.
The blaze erupted around 2:00 am GMT in the Ansoumanyah neighborhood, engulfing the residence and trapping its occupants. The government confirmed the tragic loss of seven women and three men, including a pregnant woman and an elderly individual.
“Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the fire,” declared the Guinean government. “Measures will be taken to prevent similar tragedies in the future.”
According to a heart-wrenching account from a relative of the victims broadcast by Guineematin, a local media outlet, the fire consumed the entire house. “Only one of my children could be pulled out,” lamented the relative, “they are currently in intensive care. Everyone else is gone.”
A neighbor who witnessed the tragedy offered a grim detail: “Fourteen people were in the house. We managed to save four, but ten perished.” The neighbor further stated that a power cut and subsequent electrical short circuit are believed to be the cause of the fire.
Footage captured by Guineematin showed the aftermath of the inferno, with charred debris scattered across the floor and walls blackened by the flames.
This tragedy comes amidst a string of unfortunate events in Guinea. A massive fire at Conakry’s main fuel depot in December took 24 lives. Heavy rainfall also caused flooding in the capital on Tuesday, leading to the deaths of at least three people, including two children and a pregnant woman. Additionally, a road accident on Monday claimed the lives of 13 individuals, with 10 being women.
The government of Guinea faces the challenge of preventing similar incidents and ensuring the safety of its citizens.
