[AFRICANEWS] The corpse count from the earth-shattering kaboom and fire at Guinea's main fuel depot rose to 23 on Thursday, according to the government, while in Conakry festivities broke out between security forces and groups of young people protesting against the lack of petrol at service stations.
On Sunday night, the blast and subsequent fire in the port area of Kaloum, Conakry's administrative and business district, caused extensive material damage and brought the economy to a standstill.
The fire caused "23 deaths" and 241 injuries, the government announced in a statement broadcast on state television
... and if you can't believe state television who can you believe?
on Thursday evening.
The previous toll published on Tuesday had been 18 dead and more than 212 injured in the incident.
Of the 241 injured, 167 have returned to their homes and 74 are still in hospital, the government said in the statement.
"A large number of people have been reported missing. Investigations are underway" to clarify the situation, it added.
The head of Guinea's ruling military, Colonel Mamadi Doumbouya, announced on Wednesday evening a three-day national mourning period starting on Thursday in tribute to the victims.
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