Liberia: Victims of gas truck explosion buried in mass grave
The tragic tanker explosion that occurred in Totota, Liberia, on December 26 resulted in devastating consequences, leaving behind destruction, loss of life, and injuries. Among the lives claimed by the fire were a pregnant woman, her daughter, and her husband.
In response to the crisis, the Liberia National Red Cross Society (LNRCS), along with the Ministry of Health and the local authorities of Bong County, organized a mass burial to lay the victims to rest.
As the leading local humanitarian organization in the country, the LNRCS swiftly mobilized a team of emergency responders to work in close collaboration with the County Health Team and manage the aftermath of the explosion.
With utmost respect and dignity, the Red Cross played a vital role in the recovery and burial process, ensuring that the ten lives lost, including those of the pregnant woman, were treated with care and reverence.
“In our ongoing efforts, we’ve supplied body bags, collected the charred remains of ten casualties, and are closely collaborating with local authorities and the County Health Team to ensure a dignified and respectful burial for those who were killed in the fire,” said Gregory T. Blamoh, the Secretary General of the Red Cross. Our thoughts remain with the affected families.”
He stressed the urgency of their response and expressed deep sorrow over the tragic turn of events.
He stated that the primary concern was to provide immediate assistance to those affected by the incident, and the Red Cross team had been tirelessly working on the ground to support local efforts.
The LNRCS is a humanitarian organization dedicated to providing aid and support to vulnerable communities in Liberia, focusing on disaster response, community resilience, and healthcare services.
The victims’ families have shared their emotional stories of sorrow in the wake of this devastating incident. Many had traveled from different places to celebrate Christmas in Totota, only to tragically meet their demise.
Blamoh emphasized that, while assisting in the recovery efforts, the Red Cross supplied body bags and collected the charred remains of the ten casualties. They are also working closely with local authorities and the County Health Team to ensure a dignified and respectful burial for those who lost their lives in the fire, with their thoughts remaining with the affected families.
Blamoh extended his and the LNRCS’s condolences to the families of the deceased, reaffirming the Red Cross’s commitment to standing united with the community during these difficult times.
The organization’s team is on-site, collaborating with local authorities and stakeholders to manage the aftermath and support the community’s efforts in bidding a dignified farewell to those who were lost. Blamoh wished strength and a swift recovery to the injured, as together, they navigate these challenging times.
“We extend heartfelt condolences to those affected by the tragic fire. Our team is on-site, collaborating with local authorities and stakeholders to manage the aftermath. We stand united in supporting the community’s efforts for a dignified farewell to those we lost. We wish strength and swift recovery to the injured. Together, we shall navigate these challenging times.”
Recognizing the emotional toll on the affected communities, the Red Cross’s involvement goes beyond physical support. Blamoh highlighted that they not only address the physical needs of the people but also provide psychosocial support to support their emotional well-being. The Red Cross will continue to work with the affected individuals in Totota to provide ongoing assistance and care for their emotional needs, Blamoh said.
“The situation is troubling. We do not only address the physical needs of affected communities and people but also support their emotional well-being. As such, we will continue to work with the affected people in Totota to provide psychosocial support,” he said.
Liberia Observer
