A catastrophic cooking gas explosion tore through a residential building in Tripoli’s Arada district on May 30, 2025, killing two Gambian migrants and injuring 15 others, the Gambia Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Gambians Abroad announced in a press statement.
The early morning blast occurred in a building housing around 35 Gambian nationals. Preliminary reports indicate that a gas leak triggered the explosion, leading to the immediate deaths of two individuals. Of the 15 injured, three are in critical condition, while 12 sustained minor injuries. All are receiving medical care in local hospitals. Libyan emergency and fire services responded swiftly, extinguishing the fire and aiding evacuation efforts.
The Gambia Liaison Office in Tripoli, in collaboration with the Gambia Embassy in Rabat, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Libya, Libyan authorities, and the local Gambian community, is providing urgent humanitarian and medical support.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry says Efforts are ongoing to identify the deceased and injured, notify their families in The Gambia, investigate the cause of the incident, and assess further needs, including damage to the building.
The Gambian government expressed profound sorrow and extended condolences to the families of the deceased, wishing a swift recovery to the injured. “The Government of The Gambia remains unwavering in its commitment to the welfare and protection of Gambians abroad,” the Ministry stated, assuring that diplomatic and consular support is being mobilized. The Ministry has pledged to monitor the situation and provide updates as new information becomes available.
The tragedy underscores the precarious conditions faced by migrant communities in Libya, a key transit hub for those seeking better opportunities. The Gambian community in Tripoli has rallied to support the victims with calls for solidarity and assistance. Authorities are urging residents to handle gas appliances with care to prevent future incidents.
The explosion has sparked renewed focus on the safety of migrant workers, with the Gambian government vowing to strengthen protections for its diaspora.
As investigations continue, the Ministry emphasized its solidarity with the victims, their families, and the wider Gambian community during this challenging time.
