Liberia: President Weah mourns victims of oil tanker explosion

President George Manneh Weah has conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families of those who died in an oil truck explosion in the Central Liberian town of Totota, Bong County.

President Weah says images of the tragedy are very troubling and urges the public to reach out to affected families as the Liberia National Red Cross and other government organisations intensify aid in recovery and treatment operations.

The outgoing president calls on the families of those who lost their lives to take solace in the Lord.

Dr. Francis Kateh, Liberia’s Chief Medical Officer, revealed that more than 40 people have died since the unfortunate incident occurred.

In a video posted online, people were seen scooping fuel from the truck after it crashed late on Tuesday in Totota, Lower Bong County.

The truck later exploded, killing and injuring many who had flocked to the scene to retrieve the fuel it was carrying before it fell off the road.

An eyewitness told the Daily Observer, “When the tanker fell, many people came from all over the town. Some were only looking as the gas was spilling, but others brought containers and were collecting the gas.”

“So in no time, the tanker caught fire as many people began running helter-skelter. Many people could not escape the blast.”

Dozens of people are still in hospital with serious burns, and the death toll could rise beyond 40, Dr. Francis Kateh said.

Patients with more severe injuries are being transferred to various hospitals in Monrovia, including the JFK Medical Center, 14-Military Hospital, St. Joseph’s Catholic Hospital, and ELWA Hospital.