Explosion at an illegal fuel depot in Cotonou, the Republic of Benin, has killed 34 people.
34 people were murdered in an explosion at an unauthorized gasoline store in Cotonou, Republic of Benin.
An official from the government verified the occurrence to reporters today, on Saturday.
In southern Benin, close to the Nigerian border, a contraband fuel dump caught fire and killed at least 34 persons, according to the government source.
“A serious fire occurred in the town of Seme Podji,” Interior Minister, Alassane Seidou told reporters.
“Unfortunately we have 34 deaths including two babies. Their bodies are charred because the cause of the fire is smuggled fuel.”
The minister said another 20 people were being treated in hospital, including some in a serious condition.
Nigeria is a major oil and gas producer and fuel smuggling is common along its borders, especially when the government maintained a subsidy to keep petrol prices low.