2007 Freetown explosions

For the 2021 explosion, see 2021 Freetown fuel tanker explosion.

2007 Freetown explosion
Date	December 20, 2007 (2007-12-20) (GMT)
Attack type	Gas explosion
Deaths	18
Injured	≈ 5

On 20 December 2007, a series of explosions occurred in the shopping district of Free Street in downtown Freetown, Sierra Leone, killing 18 people while injuring at least five more.

Explosions

The explosions were preceded by a fire that started in a used clothing store[1] in downtown Freetown and spread to the rest of the four-storey primarily residential building. According to the deputy chief of the local fire brigade, there had likely been a gas leak which was ignited by the fire.[2]

Casualties and initial response

The explosions killed at least 17 people and injured an estimated five others, while destroying much of the building it had occurred in and trapping "many people" underneath the rubble. An onsite fire engine was also damaged.[2][1] The Connaught Hospital was reported to have struggled to care for the wounded.[2]

References

1. "Gas explosion in Sierra Leone kills 17". Sydney Morning Herald. December 21, 2007.
2. "Deadly explosions rock Freetown". BBC. December 21, 2007.