A dramatic fire and series of explosions erupted in the Grand-Yoff neighbourhood of Dakar on the morning of September 13, 2025, when a van carrying multiple gas cylinders caught fire.
The blasts, reported by local media Le Soleil, were heard several hundred metres away, causing alarm in the densely populated area.
The incident began, according to initial reports, with a mechanical failure. As the driver attempted to investigate by opening the vehicle’s hood, flames ignited, quickly exacerbated by the gas cylinders. The van’s three occupants managed to escape in time, though one suffered a minor shoulder injury. One of the cylinders was ejected from the vehicle during the explosions, but fortunately caused no additional harm.
The van was completely destroyed.
Grand-Yoff, a working-class district in Dakar, is known for its high population density and proximity to essential services.
The fire occurred near the Aminata Mbaye Center, which supports children with intellectual disabilities, as well as a nearby health facility commonly referred to as the “American Hospital” and the local civil registry office.
Firefighters arrived promptly but faced a hazardous situation due to sporadic explosions. Initial efforts using fire-extinguishing foam were limited, forcing the first team to retreat. A second, better-equipped team later arrived and brought the blaze under control after more than an hour, leaving only the charred remains of the vehicle.
The accident highlights persistent safety concerns around the transport of flammable products in urban areas. Using vans to carry gas cylinders is a common practice in Senegal, yet incidents like this underscore the risks posed to both residents and first responders. Authorities and safety experts continue to call for stricter regulations and precautions to prevent similar occurrences in densely populated communities.
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