DISTRICT ONE, Bong County — As the number of deaths in the Totota tanker blast continue to increase, the office of Bong County District One lawmaker-elect, Prince Koinah, has issued a statement, sending his best wishes and sympathy to families of those affected.
By Selma Lomax, [email protected]
More than 48 people have been killed in Tuesday’s massive fuel tanker explosion, and were buried in a mass ceremony in the city Wednesday.
Many of the dead were burnt beyond recognition after fuel leaked before catching fire at a busy highway. The tanker was involved in an accident on Tuesday afternoon which caused it to veer off the road and topple on its side, witnesses said.
In the statement, Koinah, expressed his profound sympathy to family members of those who lost their lives and sent out his prayers for those currently hospitalized.
“It’s horrible and pernicious for group of peaceful citizens to lost their lives under such strenuous circumstances – we therefore call on the government of Liberia to pay keen attention to the recovery of victims of the incident and declare days of national mourning in honor of our fallen compatriots”, he stated.
Koinah said it was sad and heartbreaking to see a group of peaceful citizens losing their lives under such a terrible and painful circumference.
He is at the same time calling on the Liberian government and well-meaning citizens to help in the recovery process of those who sustained burns.
Koinah is also calling on requisite authorities to investigate circumstances surrounding the tanker explosion. “It’s my sincere desire that circumstances surrounding this tanker matter be investigated by relevant authorities to avoid future casualties”, he continued.
“On behalf of my family and the people of Bong county electoral District one, we want to extend our deepest condolences to the families in these times of bereavement and pray that they encounter the lord’s console. Our prayers go out to our brothers and sisters who are victims of the incident and wish them speedy recovery as they go through these difficult moments,” he noted.
He also used the medium to appreciate health workers for their care and timely response to the wellbeing of the victims.
“Let’s extend our sincere applause to health workers particularly of the Phebe hospital for the hastened interventions and urge them to maximize their efforts in saving more lives”, Koinah said.