Pressure Group, Occupy Ghana, called for the temporary closure of all on-site dispensing of LPG which must be sustained at least until the appropriate state agencies enforce rules that guarantee the safety of gas companies’ operations.

[contextly_sidebar id=”WkbwmWHOtvy4PBgmiYlHa55ABmIxtpw0″]Their call comes in the wake of the multiple gas explosions that rocked the Atomic Junction on Saturday, killing seven people and injuring about 132 others.

However, in an interview with Citi News, the Public Relations Officer of the Association, Kwame Owiredu, dismissed these assertions, stating that their outlets across the country had put safety measures in place to ensure such incidents do not occur.

He attributed Saturday’s incident to a failure by the attendants at the gas station to use the electric discharge pumps which had been put in place for the dispensing of gas into the Bulk Road Vehicles (BRVs).

“We have, on our own as part of the safety standards created what we call the electric discharge pumps. So at most of our outlets, the Bulk Road Vehicle (BRV) trucks do not discharge gas using their own engines,” he said.

“There are electric discharge pumps where when the BRV comes, the pumps are fitted onto them and the discharge is done. It’s quite unfortunate that our outlet at the explosion site wasn’t using that particular discharge pump at the time of the explosion. On issues of safety, in respect of the discharge of the BRV, we have directed our members to use the electric pump system. If you visit any of our outlets, that’s the system that they are using, most of them are using it” he explained.

In a statement copied to citifmonline.com, OccupyGhana, quoting citifmonline.com, lamented that there had been 8 major gas explosions in the country within four years, adding that regulators needed to “produce a permanent solution to this issue.”

“OccupyGhana® would recommend the banning of all on-site dispensing of gas. We side with the decision of the National Petroleum Authority to regulate the downstream gas distribution by phasing out refilling of LPG gas at LPG dispensing stations. Thus, instead of having LPG dispensing outlets, all gas cylinders will be filled by cylinder bottling plants for onward distribution to retail outlets,” it said.

But the LPG Marketers Association believes that despite the “unfortunate” incident at Atomic Junction, it would be unfair to conclude that all the outlets are accidents waiting to happen.

“It’s not the case that every LPG outlet is an explosion in waiting or is a deathtrap for Ghanaians,” he added.

“We do admit that the explosion on Saturday was an unfortunate situation, but it doesn’t make every outlet or LPG dispensing point a death trap, it cannot be the case. You don’t stop one from using a system which you criticize and use it just on a different platform.”

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By: Edwin Kwakofi/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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In his view, “there is a lot of ignorance, especially among the general public on how to manage fire incidents and administer first aid to burns victims.”

According to him, casualty rates of fire incidents would be considerably low if only the general public had basic knowledge in managing such situations.

[contextly_sidebar id=”CQIItymQWWLVXDD7xUfSmnCMaY1TNhXx”]“Even in our schools, we don’t have any training for burns. Burn awareness should be a part of our curriculum in our education system. There are many who people who pass through our system, but are totally ignorant about burns and first aid. This is something we need to look at, so we do not have a generation that is totally ignorant about burns, first aid and how to prevent domestic fire outbreak,” he said.

“Eighty percent of burns cases are caused by domestic fires. It is therefore important that every Ghanaian has some amount of knowledge on how to deal with fire situations and in administering first aid to burns victims. This would help complement the efforts of medical professionals in ensuring that burn victims sustain minimal injuries as possible.”

His comments follow Saturday’s gas explosion at Atomic junction in Accra, in which 7 persons died, and some 132 others sustained various degrees of injury.

Many of the injured were traumatized because they were oblivious of the next line of action in the wake of the unfortunate incident, resulting in a stampede.

The surgeon said for instance, people should know that they have “to lay on the ground and roll when their clothes catch fire because if you run, you’re rather fanning the flames.”

Dr. Ampomah further noted that, many buildings across the country are improperly constructed to facilitate the easy tackling of fire incidents, as many buildings even lack smoke detectors which “do not cost much.”

Lack of co-ordination in emergency response

Dr. Ampomah further expressed his disappointment at emergency response in the country, stating that delays in such responses are due to the lack of co-ordination between appropriate agencies.

“When these disasters occur, there is no proper co-ordination between those who have the expertise to provide care for the patients, and those at the emergency service front…We need a proper national center for burns. Existing centers to manage burn victims is ill-equipped with majority of the staff having very little knowledge in taking care of fire systems.”

He said as a country “We need to get a proper national center for burns… What we are doing now is making do with what we have, but in terms of international standards, we are not there yet.”

Dr. Ampomah however noted that that in collaboration with the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation, plans are underway to establish Intensive Care Centers for the country.

“For the first time in the country’s history, through international funding, a batch of nurses have been specially trained to handle burn victims. The training was the initiative of the Reconstructive Plastic Surgery and Burns Centre (RPS&BC) at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.”

The surgeon further charged government to invest more in centers designated to deal with burns, to increase their capacity because “the siting of a lot of filling stations and gas stations are disasters waiting to happen.”

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By: Marie-Franz Fordjoe/citifmonline/Ghana

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Seven deaths have so far been recorded as a result of the accident, and over 100 injured.

[contextly_sidebar id=”aNmNKh8MQE6gRXYZ8GxBS2If4lPMIsRb”]Police are currently processing the area as a crime scene, hence the decision to block roads around the area, as investigations continue into the massive explosion, and the resulting fire which threw people in and around Atomic Junction into a state of panic.

Aside from the roads, businesses in the area have also been affected as they remained closed on Monday.

The Director of Public Affairs of the Ghana Police Service, DSP Sheila Abeyie Buckman, assured that activity in the area would be back to normal, starting with the reopening of a few more roads, after the road from Haatso, leading towards Madina was opened on Monday.

“We are trying to work frantically for life to come to normal. On Tuesday morning, because we anticipate that the traffic flow would be directed towards town, which is from Haatso towards the Atomic Roundabout, we also have some diversion where we have some policemen posted and diverting traffic,” DSP Buckman told Citi News.

She also noted that, the University of Ghana, which also had some students affected by the blast resulting in commotion, will be playing its part to ease pressure on the area.

“Thankfully, authorities of the University of Ghana have allowed access through their otherwise inaccessible routes where you need special cards to enter. And so, we are also diverting traffic through their routes.”

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By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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Many of them were in bandages, whiles others had slings around their broken arm with expressions of discomfort written all over their faces.

[contextly_sidebar id=”FEjZQBDu57obk3HmZlUd6OTnSSB8QNv0″]In an interaction with them, some of the victims, they recounted their ordeal.

Miriam, a National Service Personnel, was having a nice time in the company of her friends when the first explosion occurred.

“My whole body is paining me, and I’m in a trauma from thinking that the fire would have burnt me to ashes. I was at Baritas Restaurant with a couple of my friends and we were eight in number. The first explosion happened but without fire; it just came with some smoke,” she said.

“We were told to come out so we were running helter-skelter. I couldn’t run far before the (explosion) with the fire, so I thought I was almost gone, but God being so good, I was able to run to safely. I fell while I was running and bruised my knee. I came for dressing today [Monday], and I was crying in the process.”

Stanley, another victim with his left hand bandaged and in a sling said “ On Saturday, I went for a wedding at Kasoa so while returning we got to the traffic light at PRESEC and we heard people shouting, run! run! run!. We didn’t know what was happening and before we realized there was an explosion. Some of us had to run while trying to get out of the car, and landed on our hand and feet. It was very embarrassing.”

The government is footing the bills for all the injured persons.

Listen as Citi News’ Michael Ogbodu speaks to a few of the survivors

By: Michael Ogbodu/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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Police reports indicate that, in the midst of the chaos, some persons saw an opportunity to loot properties that had been left behind during the stampede.

[contextly_sidebar id=”3JwAZ30Q6os6FDul5B55X7r3W0ALRQeV”]The police were however able to nab three of the suspected thieves.

Speaking on Eyewitness News on Monday, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Ghana Police Service, DSP Sheila Abayie Buckman, confirmed that the three had been taken into custody, and would be brought before the court on Tuesday.

“…they tried to loot some of the properties people had left behind. We will be following due process and hopefully today [Tuesday], they will be taken to court,” she said.

“They will be charged with theft,” she added.

‘We’re working hard to ensure normalcy’

Road access to the Atomic junction has since been cordoned off, as non-threatening quantities of gas still remain in the tanks sited at the affected filling stations.

The debris from the disaster also still remain at the scene.

Business activities in the area have also come to a standstill as investigations continue to ascertain the cause of the explosion.

DSP Buckman, however assured the public and road users on that stretch that efforts are being made to ensure that normal human and vehicular activities return as soon as possible.

“…The technical team is on the ground, all stakeholders are on the ground. We’re here working frantically for life to come to normal. Tuesday morning, because we anticipate the traffic flow will be directed towards town, we have policemen on the grounds diverting the routes. Thankfully, authorities of the University of Ghana have allowed to access to their otherwise inaccessible roads without a special card,” DSP Buckman said.

Atomic Gas Explosion

On Saturday night, a gas explosion occurred at a filling station at the Atomic junction in Accra, killing seven people and injuring some 132 other persons.

Two filling stations were totally consumed by the conflagration. Authorities are yet to firmly establish the cause of the gas explosion.

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By: Marie-Franz Fordjoe/citifmonline/Ghana

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According to the head of environmental safety at UPSA, Maxwell Buaka, the top priority for the University’s management was the safety of the students, and that the Strategic Energies Limited (SEL) station at the site threatens that safety.

[contextly_sidebar id=”wArLHbqIBjVoxZSniHgLF41kvlEb4jRm”]He insisted that even though they had not received official notification of the planned action by the students, the school would back them.

“I’ve not spoken to our registrar nor our Vice-Chancellor to know the SRC’s communication, but as and when they want to do something about the filling station, I’m ready to support them,” Maxwell Buaka said.

“We are at UPSA because of the students, if the school does not exist, I would not be there. Whatever will be done to protect the health and safety of our students, management per our mission and vision will also do same in order to protect the students.”

The siting of petrol and gas stations in densely populated residential and commercial areas has been brought under the spotlight again following the explosion at a gas station at Atomic Junction on Saturday which has claimed seven lives so far.

The station, which is located close to the University of Ghana and the Presbyterian Boys’ Senior High School, went up in a ball of flame, forcing some students and residents of the area to flee.

Fearing the same fate befalling them in the future, the students of UPSA have decided to take the matter into their own hands and force the station owners to relocate the building by picketing there.

Mr. Buaka stated that, repeated efforts to get the station located, including meetings with the owners had been rebuffed.

“It’s an undeniable fact that we have a fuel station called Strategic Energies Limited (SEL) sited at the Northern Wing of the UPSA which poses a serious threat to the lives of students, our infrastructure and residents as well. The SRC and management of the school have met with the [owner of the station], who happens to be one of the lead members in the petroleum sector – Mr. Blagogee, and we explained the potential hazards it poses. Elsewhere there are precautions with comprehensive firefighting tools like carbon bombs which can be released into infernos to curtail fires, we don’t have that. Look at what happened on Saturday. As an institution, we have always advocated strongly for that station to be closed,” he said.

He also revealed that letters to the District Assembly had gone unanswered, and that the NPA had not given any satisfactory responses to their queries about the location of the station.

“We led a serious campaign to force the EPA and its sister regulatory administrations to have the place closed, but they were very adamant in their responses, indicating that safety precautions have been taken,” he added.

“Our position is that, no human being can curtail infernos when it sparks and therefore proximity to human establishments is very key and there must be a closure of this station. When we wrote to the Municipal Assembly, they never replied to any of our correspondences. EPA gave us some responses which were inadequate and hollow.”

In January 2017, the University vowed to close the station down on their own if prompt measures were not taken to close it.

“We the Students’ Representative Council of the UPSA, are unequivocally protesting against the siting and operation of the fuel station in question, which is too close to the University community,” a statement from the students said.

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By: Edwin Kwakofi/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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A statement from the Information Ministry, released on Sunday, added that 132 others were injured as a result of the incident, while about half of that number have already been discharged.

[contextly_sidebar id=”e7dQnZj6GAZXsbwPL4M8Ud8Ll3ZldVQ4″]”As at 11: 30 Sunday morning, at least seven persons have been confirmed dead, and 132 injured, out of which 64 have been discharged and 68 still receiving treatment,” the statement signed by Information Minister, Mustapha Hamid said.

The statement added that, the cause of the explosion has not yet been determined, but an investigation had commenced and punitive measures would be taken to ensure such incidents are prevented in future.

“An investigation has commenced into the cause of the explosion, and shall be followed with firm action to forestall future similar recurrences.”

The residents of Atomic Junction in Madina were thrown into a state of panic following the explosion at the gas station which spread to adjacent structures.

The huge fireball from the explosion could be seen with many people in the vicinity taking to their heels in a bid to escape the blaze.

It is unclear whether all the six died from burns, following reports that a vehicle knocked two students down as people run for their lives.

There are also reports that one 0f the deceased died out of panic by falling off an overpass around the area.

Students of the Presbyterian Senior High School and the University of Ghana, ran from their hostels which are situated close to the blast.

Leaders express grief

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo said he was devastated at the incident, stating in a tweet that “my deepest condolences to the families of the bereaved, and I wish the injured speedy recovery.”

Former President, John Dramani Mahama also expressed his grief following the explosion, and called on Ghanaians to assist all those who had been affected by the incident however they can.

Gas explosions: We won’t tolerate resistance to reforms – Bawumia

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, cut short his birthday celebration in the Northern Region to be in Accra.

He has so far visited the site of the explosion, and has visited the 37 Military Hospital to commiserate with the victims.

He has promised that Government will foot the bills of all the injured persons, and introduce stringent measures to forestall such disasters.

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By: Edwin Kwakofi/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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In a tweet on Sunday, the former President also called on Ghanaians to assist all those who had been affected by the incident however they can.

[contextly_sidebar id=”SixBH4JN9Gla8OJZ1UowYJDLk8nBjxm3″]”I feel their pain. In our own small way, let’s all extend a helping hand to all those affected by the sad incident,” John Mahama tweeted.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and families of those affected by last night’s gas explosion at the Atomic Junction near Madina.”

The residents of the Atomic Junction in Madina were thrown into a state of panic following the explosion at the gas station which spread to adjacent structures.

The huge fireball from the explosion could be seen for miles with many people in the vicinity taking to their heels in a bid to escape the blaze.

My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and families of those affected by last night’s gas explosion at the Atomic Junction near Madina

— John Dramani Mahama (@JDMahama) October 8, 2017

I feel their pain.
In our own small way, let’s all extend a helping hand to all those affected by the sad incident. #AtomicExplosion

— John Dramani Mahama (@JDMahama) October 8, 2017

Students of the Presbyterian Senior High School and the University of Ghana, run from their hostels situated close to the blast.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has also expressed his devastation at the incident.

Nana Addo, who is touring the Northern region, tweeted after the explosion, saying “my deepest condolences to the families of the bereaved, and I wish the injured speedy recovery.”

His Vice, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, cut short his birthday celebration in the Northern Region to be in Accra. He has so far visited the site of the explosion, and has visited the 37 Military Hospital to commiserate with the victims.

He has promised that Government will foot the bills of all the injured persons. He, however, assured the populace that this time around,

He, however, assured the populace that this time around, the government will be stricter on safety measures by introducing a new policy in the petroleum retail sector to prevent such disasters.

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This was confirmed by the deputy Director of the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), Abu Ramadan.

[contextly_sidebar id=”g9lkHreKMAwYnmEHhwhQvSho6Y1smyxp”]He said the deceased jumped from an overpass footbridge because he panicked over the explosion.

Mr. Ramadan told Citi News that several other injured persons have been rushed to the hospital.

A reporter, Franklin Badu Jnr, reported from the University of Ghana Hospital that several injured victims are being treated.

He added that because it is a small hospital, some of the seriously injured victims are being transferred to Korle Bu and the 37 Military hospital.

A gas station at Atomic Junction in Accra went up in flames on Saturday evening.

Citi News’ Richard Dela Sky who is at the scene reported that “it is really terrifying.”

“I can hear piercing sound of gas explosion. I can see a lot of fire tenders here trying to put the fire off. The residual gas in the container is burning. I can still hear sounds of explosion. The whole area has been cordoned off by the police. No vehicle is being allowed to the scene.”

In June 2015, over a hundred of lives were lost amidst fire and rain at the GOIL filling station in Accra popularly referred to as the June 3 disaster.

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By: citifmonline.com/Ghana

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It was held at the Ghana FA Secretariat in Accra.

Watch highlights of the event

Video: Benjamin Epton Owusu

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