The Minister of the Interior and Public Security, Alassane Séidou, spoke following the tragic explosion that occurred in the Ayélawadjè 1 district, in the third district of Cotonou on Saturday January 11, 2025. In a press release received by the editorial staff of BENIN WEB TV this Sunday, January 12, 2025, he presented his condolences to the grieving families and took stock of the situation.
On Saturday January 11, 2025, a violent explosion occurred around 2 p.m., followed by a major fire in a building combining a home and a warehouse for dangerous products, including aluminum sulfate. The incident resulted in loss of life due to poisoning, including 6 deaths, serious injuries, considerable material damage, and a risk of environmental pollution.
Units from the Beninese Civil Protection Agency (ABPC) were quickly deployed to manage the emergency. According to Minister Alassane Séidou, an investigation was opened by the Republican Police in order to determine responsibilities and refer any possible culprits to the Public Prosecutor.
In the press release, the Minister called on residents of the Ayélawadjè 1 district to avoid any consumption of food or water within a radius of 100 meters around the scene of the fire. Affected foods include uncovered well water, meals, and potentially contaminated plants and animals.
-A message of solidarity
Alassane SEIDOU also praised the courage of the firefighters and invited citizens to demonstrate civic-mindedness and patriotism in this situation. “I am counting on the high sense of citizenship and patriotism of each and everyone, for the adoption of civic behavior,” he declared.
The government promises to shed light on this matter and to take measures to avoid such tragedies in the future.
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