Accident scene theft is one of those crimes that always leave people wondering if humans have got any sense of sympathy for their fellow human beings. You would not believe that in the midst of the deadly chaos caused by the Atomic Junction explosions and fire, some persons were busy looting items abandoned by those who ran for their dear lives!
Reports from the Accra Regional Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Afia Tenge, revealed that a total of 123 complaints on lost properties have so far been made at the police station since after the Saturday incident.
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ASP Tenge who was speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Tuesday, said the lost items include cars, monies, goods, foodstuffs and other properties being used by road users and businessmen in the area at the time of the accident. Among the numerous complaints are reports of three missing vehicles.
“Since Saturday, we have had reports from people who probably were selling around and people who said they were in their vehicles but had to run for their lives when the explosion occurred. So far we have about three reports of missing vehicles,” ASP Tenge disclosed.
The Accra Regional Police PRO said they are still in the process of putting together complaints on lost items, and will soon commence investigations into the cases.
It was a scene of total pandemonium on Saturday evening when two massive explosions from two Gas stations at the Madina Atomic Junction sent huge balls of fiery flames up the sky. The junction being a busy hub of business, especially in the evenings, saw hundreds of road users, traders and residents run helter-skelter to escape being charred in the flames.
See: More Details on the Atomic Junction Gas Explosions
Many people abandoned their shops, cars and other properties as they ran for their lives when the disaster struck. But in the midst of the stampede, some heartless dare-devil fellows made good the opportunity to enrich themselves with the abandoned items.
One of the victims of this accident scene theft, is Samuel Creppy who was riding home in his ash Toyota Corolla with registration number GM 3677-12, but had to abandon the car to flee for his life.
On returning to the spot where he parked the car at around 10:00 pm when the fire has subsided, Samuel could not find his vehicle. Lost together with the car are his mobile phone and other important documents including his driving licence. As at the time of this report, the young man is yet to lay hands on his car.
Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Ghana Police Service, DSP Sheila Abayie Buckman, while speaking on Citi Eyewitnesses News on Monday, confirmed that three persons who stole items during the Atomic Junction explosions have been taken into custody.
One of the suspects was reportedly caught red-handed stealing a car battery from one of the vehicles that were abandoned in the chaos, another stole a mobile phone showcase, but was apprehended after questioning, while the other person stole a gas cooker and cylinder. He was however caught by the police following a tip-off after selling the stuffs to a woman.
The three persons, together with the woman who bought the cooker and gas cylinder are expected to appear before the court today being Tuesday, October 10.
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