The calm morning of July 22 in district 2, Thiès Ouest commune, was shattered by a devastating explosion that left six people seriously injured and sent shockwaves through the local community.
A truck parked along Dakar 1 road caught fire before erupting in a powerful blast that injured nearby workers and ignited fears over the dangers posed by garages operating within residential neighbourhoods.
According to initial accounts, the fire started near a car repair workshop, though the exact cause remains unknown.
Flames rapidly engulfed the truck, which then exploded violently, sending debris flying dozens of metres. Six welders working nearby sustained severe injuries, including deep burns, and were rushed to specialised hospitals in Dakar for emergency treatment.
The blast also damaged electrical infrastructure in the area, causing live wires to fall and creating an additional risk of electrocution for residents and first responders trying to assist the victims.
The explosion has reignited longstanding concerns voiced by local residents who have repeatedly urged authorities to relocate mechanical workshops away from family homes. Speaking to Sud FM, one resident said, “The garage’s presence poses a permanent danger to families living nearby.” The community condemns what they see as persistent negligence by local officials despite numerous complaints about safety hazards and disturbances.
The chaotic layout of the neighbourhood — where makeshift mechanics’ workshops, parked trucks, and residential buildings intermingle — exemplifies disorderly urban planning that places lives at risk. For many, Tuesday’s tragedy confirms fears that had until now lingered beneath the surface.
Local government representatives are expected to respond with urgent measures, including safety audits of urban garages, relocating high-risk workshops away from residential areas, and tighter inspections of electrical installations in mixed-use neighbourhoods. While such steps cannot undo the suffering caused by the explosion, affected families hope they will prevent future disasters.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to rethink urban safety policies and prioritise community wellbeing in Thiès and beyond.
About The Author
