Warden Message
April 16, 2008

Subject: Gas Station Explosions

The U.S. Embassy has received reports of two separate explosions in the early evening of April 14 at two petrol stations in Addis Ababa.  Initial reports indicate that as many as three people were killed and as many as 16 - 19 people injured as a result of the two explosions.  One of the explosions occurred at the National Oil Company (NOC) station in the vicinity of the Lem Hotel on Haile Gabre Selassie; the other occurred at another NOC station in the vicinity of the Imperial Hotel.  The first explosion is said to have occurred at approximately 18:45; the second occurred approximately 10 to 15 minutes later.  While the cause of the explosions have yet to be determined, the fact that the explosions occurred at close to the same time and at similar service stations, suggests these may have been targeted incidents.  Ethiopian authorities are investigating the cause of the explosions.

American citizens should review their personal safety and security posture, remain vigilant, and be cautious when frequenting prominent public places and landmarks.

For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs internet website at http://travel.state.gov/, where the current Worldwide Caution, Public Announcements, and Travel Warnings can be found.  Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada, or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8 AM to 8 PM Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. Federal Holidays.)

The U.S. Embassy is located at Entoto Avenue, P.O. Box 1014, in Addis Ababa.  American citizens with questions or concerns may telephone the Consular Section at 251-11-124-2424; emergency after-hours telephone: 251-11-124-2400; consular fax: 251-11-124-2435; website: http://ethiopia.usembassy.gov/.