No fewer that 34 persons have been killed in an explosion in Cotonou, Benin Republic.
A government official confirmed the incident to journalists on Saturday.
The official said at least 34 persons were killed when a contraband fuel dump burst into flames in southern Benin, near the border with Nigeria.
“A serious fire occurred in the town of Seme Podji,” interior minister, Alassane Seidou, told reporters.
“Unfortunately we have 34 deaths including two babies. Their bodies are charred because the cause of the fire is smuggled fuel.”
The minister said another 20 people were being treated in hospitals, including those who sustained serious bodily injuries.
