Tragedy struck near the Benin-Nigeria border as a deadly fire engulfed an illegal fuel depot in Seme-Podji town on Saturday, claiming the lives of at least 35 individuals, including a child.
The inferno erupted within a warehouse stocked with smuggled fuel, setting ablaze numerous vehicles, motorcycles, and tricycles at the scene, according to Aljazeera.
Abdoubaki Adam-Bongle, the Prosecutor, confirmed the devastating incident and stated, “The fire burned down the store and according to an initial assessment resulted in 35 deaths, including one child.” He further noted that witness accounts suggested the fire likely started during the unloading of gasoline bags.
Numerous individuals sustained injuries and were promptly transported to hospitals for treatment.
