General News of Friday, 23 December 2016

Source: www.ghanaweb.com

5 Dead, 42 injured in deadly explosion at Labadi - Police confirms

Day after tragedy struck at gas station play videoDay after tragedy struck at gas station

A total of 42 injured persons and 5 dead persons have been confirmed by the police service as the number of affected persons affected in the fatal explosion that occurred at a filling station at Labadi in Accra.

The tragic explosion which occurred around 6:pm Thursday destroyed several properties and sparked up chaos among residents of the area.

The actual cause of the fire is yet to be discovered.

Several security personnel arrived at the site this morning to control the anxious crowd who tried to maneuver their way into the area to have a glimpse of the aftermath of yesterday’s tragic incidence. Some NADMO officials were also at the scene to examine the extent of damage caused

The area has currently been blocked with barricades as several security personnel try to keep the anxious crowd away from the scene of the incidence.

PRO of the Accra Regional Police Command, ASP Efia Tengey who led the team of security personnel at the scene told media persons that the injured persons are currently receiving treatment at various hospitals in the capital.



According to her, 27 of the total number are at the 37 military hospital, 3 at the police hospital, 6 at the La Polyclinic and 6 at the Korle-Bu teaching hospital. “The bodies of the 5 who died in the process have been deposited at the police hospital morgue”, she added.

ASP Efia Tengey noted that collaborative efforts by the country’s security services are underway to ensure safety in the area as it still poses great danger to residents of the area, the reason she says accounts for the heavy security presence at the place.



“what we can say is that the place is not safe for commuters or people until they are declared…we are ensuring security, we all come in to render our services, so it is our duties we are performing, collaboratively”, she said

She appealed to the families and sympathizers of victims of the unfortunate incidence to visit the aforementioned hospitals to identify their members.



Condolences are pouring out in the wake of Thurday's gas explosion. Ghana’s president-elect, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, yesterday expressed his commiseration to the families of victims of the fatal incidence that claimed the lives of five people. He mentioned the need to take a second look at the siting of gas filling stations across the country following the incidence.

The Chamber of Petroleum consumers have also extended their condolences in a statement issued.