The Labadi gas station explosion left five persons instantly burnt to death and at least 30 others severely injured.
A fatal explosion occurred at the Louis Gas Station close to the International Trade Fair Centre in Labadi yesterday’s evening around 5: 50 pm.
An eyewitness who spoke to Citi News said he heard a loud bang with an ensuing aggressive fire outbreak, causing everyone around to take to their heels. Calls were immediately made to the Ghana National Fire Service who reported to the scene but according to Joy News, they had to call for reinforcement due to the magnitude of the fire, to forestall a possible extension to another gas station.
Public Relations Officer of the Ghana National Fire Service, Prince Billy Anaglate who gave more details of the incident later in the night on TV3 News @10 revealed that, additional four teams were dispatched with three water tankers and two military fire engines to control the fire.
According to him, it took about 2 hours of frantic battle to put the fire under control. Prince Billy Anaglate said it was in the process of the fight that they saw the five persons who were burnt to death by the fire -four were passers-by and the other one found within the gas station premises. Other injured people according to him, were rushed to the 37 Military Hospital and La General Hospital for treatment.
The Labadi gas station explosion was so high that it caught some high tension wires, leading to a total blackout and causing panic in the area. He also revealed that valuable properties of yet to be determined worth have been lost to the fire as it skyrocketed over the wall of the Trade Fair Centre.
Police officers were not left out in the battle as they were also reported to be present at the scene controlling a crowd of eyewitnesses and also making other contributions to put out the fire. Meanwhile, the cause of explosion is yet to be ascertained.
Moments after Thursday’s Labadi gas station explosion, Nana Akufo-Addo took to Facebook to express his condolences to the families of the bereaved, and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
He said the latest explosion is calling for a review of the siting of gas filling stations, as well as the enforcement and adherence to safety regulations. His post reads:
I have learnt with sadness of the news of a gas explosion near the Trade Fair Centre, resulting in the loss of 6 lives, and injuries to many others.
My deepest condolences to the families of the bereaved, and I wish the injured a speedy recovery.
It is about time we take a second look at the citing of gas stations in our country, and ensure the strict enforcement of, and adherence to safety regulations, so as to forestall the occurrence of any more of such avoidable incidents.
Also See: UPSA Students Protest Against Siting of Fuel Station
Frankly, it is high time the government and Ghanaians at large looks into the issue of gas station explosions and fire out breaks in general to save precious lives that are yet to be lost if nothing is done.
Join GhanaStar.com to receive daily email alerts of breaking news in Ghana. GhanaStar.com is your source for all Ghana News. Get the latest Ghana news, breaking news, sports, politics, entertainment and more about Ghana, Africa and beyond.
