Scores of people, mostly motorbikes, taxi riders are reported to have rushed to the scene to fetching fuel that was leaking from the tanker following the collision. While this was happening, with the leaking petroleum tanker surrounded by pedestrians, motorbike riders and motor vehicle traffic, the tanker
exploded into a fireball, immediately burning nearby vehicles, people and surrounding informal trade structures adjacent to the road. As at 9am on 9th November 2021, 296 people have been affected by this incident. Currently hospitalized patients: 63 people are currently admitted in 5 city hospitals

• Destruction of property, including vehicles, business premises (2 residences of 5 households, 22 vehicles, 48 motorbikes, and 3 tricycles)
• Air pollution
• Destruction of vegetation in the surrounding environment
• Disruption of social and economic life of households within one kilometre from the site (catchment population approx. 35,605)

The government of Sierra Leone on the morning of 6th November 2021 convened an emergency meeting of relevant government agencies, stakeholders and partners to assess the situation, put in place response structures, mobilize support and plan a coordinated response to the incident. The meeting was chaired by the Deputy Minister for Health and attended by senior managers and technical staff of MoHS including the Minister of Health. Health sector partners were also present at the emergency meeting including WHO and other health development partners.
An initial rapid assessment is being conducted to establish the extent of the damage and loss of life, account for missing persons, and to identify the capacity of the country to respond. The assessment will also map available resources, identify the gaps/needs, identify the potential
consequences from the incident, etc. Medical and psychosocial support teams have been deployed to care for the injured, including clinical staff surge support for the main referral hospital. As additional information is received, the figures indicated above are expected to change because of the critical nature of the injuries that are now being managed in the health facilities. The government is working with stakeholders to conduct an initial rapid assessment, collection of data for registration/ line-listing of the affected (survivors or deceased), estimation and mobilization of immediate needs for trauma care, plus coordination of health sector partners among others.