In Monrovia, Liberia, a catastrophic event occurred this week when a fuel tanker exploded as people gathered to collect gasoline, resulting in over 40 fatalities, according to authorities. The explosion, which took place in the town of Totota, also left at least 83 individuals injured. Due to the severity of the injuries and burns suffered by the victims, a definitive death toll was difficult to establish, leading to the burial of many unrecognizable remains in a mass grave.
Health officials in Bong County, such as Dr. Cynthia Blapook, were at the forefront of managing the aftermath of the explosion, with grave concerns for the increased number of injured and the potential rise in fatalities. Liberian Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor attended a mass funeral for the victims, expressing disbelief at the tragic start to the new year.
In the aftermath of the disaster, health authorities and doctors treating the injured emphasized the necessity for a more robust disaster management infrastructure in the country to effectively respond to emergencies. Dr. Minnie Sankawolo-Rocks pleaded with the public not to approach fuel tankers to collect gas, particularly in light of similar deadly incidents on the African continent, stressing that people had not heeded warnings to stay away before the tanker exploded.
In remembrance of the incident, and to provide context to the preceding events, this report was contributed by Mark N. Mengonfia.