At least 33 people died and three others sustained serious injuries in a fire at a smuggled petrol warehouse on Saturday in Seme Krake, Benin’s southeastern department of Oueme, local authorities said.
Dallys Ahouangbegnon, Chief of the local fire brigade, said the fire also ignited houses and vehicles parked near the site.
Ahouangbegnon said the fire broke out in a warehouse close to the Seme Krake pineapple market.
In Benin, smuggled petrol comes from its eastern neighbour, Nigeria. Nigeria is a major oil producer where the price of fuel is cheaper.
Thousands of litres of petrol sold on the streets of Benin’s towns and neighbourhoods generally come from stations located along the Benin-Nigeria border.
The trade, which generates huge profits, also entails major risks. This is in view of the precarious conditions in which the product is stored.
As a result, fires occur frequently with heavy tolls. (Xinhua)
Do you have a flair for Citizenship Journalism? Share story(ies) of happenings in your area with The NewsZenith on WhatsApp: 08033668669 or thenewszenith@gmail.com
