Current:Home > FinanceA fire in a commercial building south of Benin’s capital killed at least 35 people -RiskWatch
A fire in a commercial building south of Benin’s capital killed at least 35 people
View
Date:2025-04-14 23:52:06
A fire in a commercial building south of Benin’s capital has killed at least 35 people, authorities said, as they started an investigation.
The gutted and burned ruins of a building in Seme-Podji, 10 kilometers (6 miles) south of the capital Porto-Novo, and the charred remains of cars and motorcycles was all that could be seen in the aftermath of the fire in footage by Benin’s public broadcaster.
A fire official told broadcaster ORTB that the accident happened at a site known for the storage and handling of gasoline. Passersby rescued three people before firefighters arrived, the official, Dallys Ahouangbegnon, added.
The fire broke out on Saturday morning and was “probably started during the unloading of bags of gasoline,” Beninese prosecutor Adam-Bongle Abdoubaki said in a statement published on local outlet benin-news.com.
The dead included one child while more than a dozen people were injured, he said.
Abdoubaki added that a crisis unit was set up to keep the victims’ families informed, collect information to establish the cause of the fire, and determine criminal liability.
“I am dismayed,” local prefecture representative Marie Akpotrossou told the public broadcaster. She blamed the deaths of so many people on the sale of contraband gasoline and said it was high time to take another look at the illegal trade.
veryGood! (23492)
Related
- Jamie Foxx gets stitches after a glass is thrown at him during dinner in Beverly Hills
- EU nations condemn Hamas for what they describe as use of hospitals, civilians as ‘human shields’
- How bad are things for Bill Belichick? Winners, losers from Patriots' loss to Colts
- Humane societies probe transfer of 250 small animals that may have later been fed to reptiles
- What to watch: O Jolie night
- Euphoria Producer Kevin Turen Dead at 44
- Danica Roem breaks through in Virginia Senate by focusing on road rage and not only anti-trans hate
- Danica Roem breaks through in Virginia Senate by focusing on road rage and not only anti-trans hate
- EU countries double down on a halt to Syrian asylum claims but will not yet send people back
- Aaron Rodgers tells NBC he targets a mid-December return from torn Achilles tendon
Ranking
- Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
- 'Disney Lorcana: Rise of the Floodborn' and more new board games, reviewed
- Greece’s opposition Syriza party splits as several prominent members defect
- Los Angeles motorists urged to take public transport after massive fire closes interstate
- Jorge Ramos reveals his final day with 'Noticiero Univision': 'It's been quite a ride'
- Dubai air chiefs summit, sponsored by Israeli firm, avoids discussing strikes as Hamas war rages
- SZA stands out, Taylor Swift poised to make history: See the 2024 Grammy nominations list
- Hezbollah says it is introducing new weapons in ongoing battles with Israeli troops
Recommendation
New Mexico governor seeks funding to recycle fracking water, expand preschool, treat mental health
Jury clears ex-Milwaukee officer in off-duty death at his home
Shohei Ohtani is MLB's best free agent ever. Will MVP superstar get $500 million?
Man facing charges after car chase, shooting that wounded Pennsylvania officer
A White House order claims to end 'censorship.' What does that mean?
How many post-credit scenes and cameos in 'The Marvels'? All the best movie spoilers here
Police fatally shoot 17-year-old during traffic stop in North Dakota’s Bismarck
Suspect released in fatal stabbing of Detroit synagogue leader