Ghana in 3-day mourning as 105 die in explosion

The government in Ghana has declared three days of national mourning after an explosion at a petrol station in the nation’s capital; Accra killed at least 105 people during heavy rains on Thursday.

People were said to have sought shelter in a filling station because of a downpour when the tragedy struck. It was learnt that the explosion resulted from the flood that swept stored fuel into a nearby fire.

Spokesman for Ghana Fire Service, Billy Anaglate, had told the BBC that “at least 96 people have died in a fire at a petrol station in Ghana’s capital, Accra. The flooding helped cause the fire.”

However, as of 9.30pm on Thursday, news reports indicated that the death toll had increased to about 105.

It was gathered that rescue efforts were being hindered by the high volume of flood which had displaced many. There were also fears that the number of dead could rise as the search of the site continues.

A bus conductor, who survived the inferno, Yaw Aforve, told the BBC that he was sleeping in his car at the petrol station when he heard the fire. He said he jumped into the floodwaters and when he came up for air, the fire burnt his face.

“I was swept away by the water to the other side [of the road]. “I saw so many people screaming and shouting,” he said.

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