Following a violent explosion in the western Somali town of Beledweyne on June 18, the local hospital supported by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) received a total of 40 patients.

Almost all of the patients had serious burns but were able to receive the necessary treatment. Twenty-five of the injured required surgical intervention. There were four deaths and the team is fearful for the survival of four other patients who are in a very critical condition.

The explosion resulted in a fire that caused many injuries through smoke inhalation and burns. Twenty-nine bodies were brought to the hospital so that the MSF medical team could provide a death certificate to the relatives. MSF is very sad to report the tragic loss of a member of its staff in the explosion. Our thoughts go out to his family at this time.

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