Sierra Leone: Statement on the Fuel Tanker Disaster

The Council of Churches in Sierra Leone and its partners joins the families, Government and people of Sierra Leone in mourning the loss of our fellow citizens who died Friday November 5 from the fuel tanker explosion in the Old Wharf Community, Wellington, east end of Freetown.

We are equally deeply saddened by the news that scores of other victims from the disaster are still battling for their lives in several hospitals across the Western Area. We continue to pray for their speedy recovery.

Meanwhile, we are collaborating with the Inter-Religious Council of Sierra Leone to ensure that we give the deceased a dignified funeral service and burial. We are encouraging our member churches to join the three days of national prayer and mourning as pronounced by His Excellency the President Dr. Julius Maada Bio.

The Council of Churches will in the interim provide psychosocial support to affected families. We call on our member churches to make available their psychosocial resources as we reach out to affected families.

May the souls of the departed rest in peace!