DRC: Fuel tanker explosion prompts fire in Righini area of Kinshasa as of early Aug. 8

Event

A fuel tanker exploded and caught fire near the Ngaba roundabout in the Righini area of southern Kinshasa early Aug. 8 after driving into electrical cabling. The resulting blaze has reportedly spread to neighboring structures. Casualties figures are not immediately clear.

Heightened security and localized ground transport disruptions are likely in the area in the coming hours as emergency crews respond to the incident. Officials could evacuate nearby buildings as a precaution.

Advice

Avoid the area until authorities give the all-clear. Heed official instructions. Plan for localized ground transport disruptions in the area. Consider remaining indoors if smoke is heavy, especially if you suffer from a respiratory illness, such as asthma, or conditions that lead to increased risk from smoke exposure. Eye irritation is possible; flush irritated eyes with copious amounts of clean water.