President-elect Boakai Visits Site of Tragic Gas Tanker Explosion In Bong: Promises L$ 10M, Donates 200 Bags of Rice (25kg) to Bereaved Family 

In the wake of a tragic gas tanker explosion in Totota, Lower Bong County, Liberia President-elect Joseph N. Boakai has expressed his profound sympathy to the families of those who lost their lives in a major fire incident in Central Liberia on Tuesday, December 26, 2023.

Amb. Boakai said images of the tragedy are deeply disturbing and calls on the public to reach out to the affected families as well as other requisite institutions of government aid with recovery and treatment efforts.

President-elect Boakai further recognized the gravity of the tragic situation and underscore the profound impact it had on the affected families and the entire country. 

During his visitation in Totota on December 31, 2023, he offered condolences to the bereaved families as he expressed support and prayer for the recovery of other victims seeking treatment at various hospitals across the country. 

Additionally, President-elect Boakai participated in a church service close to the scene of the tragedy and had engagements with local authorities, emergency responders, and community leaders, while extending sympathy to the bereaved families. 

“We are here today to console you, we are here today to tell you that we feel just as hurt as you are, we will stand with you because this is a family affair,” President-elect Boakai added.

Furthermore, remarking at the church service, President-elect Boakai promised to make available ten million Liberian dollars (10,000,000) and donated 200 bags of rice (25kg).

The President-elect also emphasized the importance of basic education of citizens for safety, self-awareness, and protection in emergencies. 

The incoming President further urged state security to conduct a comprehensive investigation on the cause of such tragedy with relevant recommendations on preventive measures. 

He at the same time calls on the families of those who lost their lives to take solace in the Lord.

For their part, family members and some local leaders of the County lauded the President-elect for identifying with them in their time of bereavement.

The Bongese said the visit of President-elect Boakai underscored his dedication to fostering a sense of national unity and healing during challenging times. 

The ceremony was attended by Senators Prince Kermue Moye Sr., Johnny K. Kpehe, Sr., Representatives Moimah Briggs Mensah, and Robert Flomo Womba, stakeholders, the health authority in Bong County, the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) among others.

Health authority in Liberia says so far more than 58 deaths have been recorded since a tanker transporting fuel made an accident and later exploded. It is reported that some locals in the area attempted to scoop the contents of the trapped tanker when the explosion happened.

Dozens of injured people from the incident have been transported to various hospitals around the country. 

By Patrick Stephen Tokpah