EXPLOSIONS IN DOWNTOWN FREETOWN

UNCLAS FREETOWN 000746 SIPDIS SIPDIS DS/IP/AF, DS/DSS/CC, AF/W, AF/EX, S/CT, CA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC PTER SL SUBJECT: EXPLOSIONS IN DOWNTOWN FREETOWN ¶1. On December 20, 2007, the Embassy Emergency Action Committee (EAC) convened to discuss a series of deadly blasts that rocked downtown Freetown earlier the same afternoon. Present were the Ambassador, DCM, RSO, CON, CLO, DAO, LEGATT, USAID, POL, and PAO. The blasts occurred in the bottom floor shop of a multi-story building located in a busy commercial district in Central Freetown. Reports from UN Police Advisors indicate that the explosions were caused when a fire ignited canisters of flammable liquid, to include fuel, that was believed to have been stored in the first floor shop. Initial reports claim as many as seventeen people were killed and numerous others injured. The exact number of fatalities and injured have yet to be confirmed. ¶2. At this time, there is no indication that the explosions were the result of a terrorist attack. All official Americans and their dependents have been accounted for. The Embassy will send a Consular Warden message to alert Americans. We have no news at this time of American casualties. USAID country representative will contact implementing partners to ensure they are accounted for. ¶3. Embassy officials will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as details become available. PERRY