By Staff Writer
A cooking gas explosion at a residential building in Tripoli, Libya, housing Gambian migrants has left at least two dead and fifteen injured, according to a statement released Friday by The Gambia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The incident occurred early Friday morning in the Arada district of the Libyan capital. The building, which reportedly accommodated around 35 Gambian nationals, was engulfed in flames following the explosion. Libyan emergency and fire services responded swiftly, extinguishing the blaze and assisting in the evacuation of residents.
According to the Foreign Ministry’s statement, preliminary reports confirm that two Gambians died at the scene. Of the fifteen injured, three remain in critical condition, while twelve sustained minor injuries. All the injured are currently receiving medical care, authorities said.
“According to available information, a cooking gas explosion occurred in a residential building housing approximately 35 Gambian nationals. Preliminary reports confirm the instantaneous death of two (2) Gambians, Fifteen (15) others sustained injuries, three (3) of whom are in critical condition, while twelve (12) suffered minor injuries and all are receiving medical attention,’ the Foreign Ministry statement reads.
The statement further disclosed that the Gambia’s Liaison Office in Tripoli, working alongside the Gambian Embassy in Rabat, Morocco, and in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Libyan authorities, and the Gambian community in Libya, has mobilized to provide emergency humanitarian and medical assistance.
The foreign ministry statement also indicated that efforts are underway to identify the deceased and injured, notify their families in The Gambia, and assess the broader impact of the explosion. Officials are also investigating the circumstances leading to the blast.
“The Ministry hereby expresses profound sorrow and extends deepest condolences to the families of the deceased, wishes a swift and full recovery to all injured persons and stands in solidarity with the victims, their families and the wider Gambian community during this difficult time,” the Foreign Ministry said in its statement.
The Gambian government reaffirmed its commitment to the protection and welfare of Gambians abroad, pledging to continue providing diplomatic and consular support in the wake of the tragedy.
The Ministry said it will continue to monitor the situation closely and share updates as more information becomes available.