Saturday April 1, 2023
Mogadishu (HOL) - The small town of Abudwak in Galgaduud was rocked by a devastating fire on Friday evening, as an oil truck burst into flames at a petrol station, resulting in two deaths and ten injuries. While the cause of the fire is still unknown, it is not believed to have been intentional.
The deceased pair were identified by Somalia's state broadcaster as father and son, Dhagalab Aden Sulay and Saeed Dhagalab. The cause of the fire remains unclear, but it does not appear to have been intentional. This incident has left the community in shock and mourning, and raises concerns about the region's emergency preparedness and the need for improved safety regulations.
Many of the wounded sustained severe burns, including second and third-degree burns. Witnesses reported a lack of emergency response, with victims transported in private vehicles and no firefighters present to combat the blaze. Some burn victims were reportedly injured while attempting to extinguish the fire themselves.
The incident has also exposed ongoing concerns about the region's lack of emergency response infrastructure. The local government said it has been working to address these issues, but progress has been slow due to limited resources and funding.
Abudwak hospitals are reportedly facing challenges in treating burn patients due to a shortage of medical equipment specifically designed for burn care.
The petrol station and a nearby multi-business complex sustained heavy damage in the incident, adding to the economic strain already faced by local businesses.
In response to the tragedy, Muhidin Adan Wali, the governor of the Abudwak district, visited the burn victims at a local hospital and announced that an investigation is underway to determine more details about the fire.