Goil fuel explosion scene remains public threat – Security official

The premises of the exploded Goil Fuel station at the Kwame Nkrumah still remains a threat to public safety, says security personnel who have cordoned off the area.

A policeman at the Wednesday, June 3, disaster spot told Ghana News Agency on condition of anonymity that vast store of highly inflammable petroleum products remains underground and could explode without warning.

He said the massive explosion coupled with the continuous rains has also weakened structures around, which could fall on onlookers.

“We are having a tough time persuading the pubic to leave the scene, oblivious to the fact that should another explosion take place our safety as security personnel is not guaranteed,” he said.

There was heavy presence of police and military personnel at the inferno hit station with many fire fighting personnel and officials from the National Disaster Management Organisation.

More than 100 people who sought shelter at the fuel station during the downpour on Wednesday evening were killed while many others sustained various degrees of injuries.

Thousands of residents were rendered homeless because of the floods.

President John Dramani Mahama has called for three days of national mourning for the victims of the explosion and the floods.

The President directed that the national flag should fly at half-mast during the period of mourning from Monday June 8, to Wednesday June 10.

The president also announced a GH₵50 million recovery fund for the victims of the devastating floods.

Source: GNA