Yussif Seidu, who escaped unhurt during the explosion, according to the Public Relations Officer of the LPG Marketing Companies Association, Kwame Owiredu, died after becoming unconscious during a meeting with LPG truck drivers.

[contextly_sidebar id=”4U2Mz6ljKy6lEFiOlnkkAJVxehjyelDZ”]“I can confirm to you that Yussif Seidu, the driver who was in charge of the tanker that caught fire at Atomic Junction is no more with us. I can also say that he didn’t die as a result of any injury flowing from the accident that occurred, but he died a natural death.”

“He was with us yesterday [Thursday] at our yard. We actually were chatting with him; we had even gotten him a new tanker. So we were all happy that he’s gotten a new tanker. Whilst we were in a conversation with him, I think he went unconscious.”

Mr. Seidu said they quickly rushed him to the Tema General Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Background 

On Saturday, October 7, a gas explosion occurred at Atomic junction which killed seven people and injured 132 others.

The area around the epicenter of the explosion is known to be a hotbed of activity with a commercial bus [trotro] station, taxi rank, other fuel stations and traders located in the immediate vicinity.

Police and fire service investigations are yet to be concluded to ascertain the actual cause of the explosion.

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By: Godwin Akweiteh Allotey/citifmonline.com/Ghana
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He was pronounced dead at the Tema General Hospital.

The Public Relations Officer of the LPG Marketing Companies Association, Kwame Owiredu, who confirmed the incident to Citi News, said the driver who escaped unhurt after the gas explosion, collapsed at a meeting of LPG truck drivers on [Thursday], and was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

He added that, the cause of death is yet to be established, but indicated that, he will be buried today [Friday] according to Islamic customs.

[contextly_sidebar id=”TM3HdqnytMT8Hnu0qB057pvorL23RlA8″]“I can confirm to you that Yussif Seidu, the driver who was in charge of the tanker that caught fire at Atomic Junction is no more with us. I can also say that he didn’t die as a result of any injury flowing from the accident that occurred, but he died a natural death.”

Mr. Seidu said they were celebrating with him on Thursday because he had a new tanker.

“Whilst we were in a conversation with him, he went unconscious. He was rushed to the Tema General Hospital and after some few checks on him, the doctors pronounced him dead. So it’s an unfortunate situation, and we are really sad. They have not confirmed the cause of death. He is a Muslim so when his family had the news, they demanded for the body, so that is the arrangement we are doing now, to send his remains to Kumasi where his family is,” he added.

Background 

On Saturday, October 7, a gas explosion occurred at Atomic junction at Madina in Accra, which killed seven people and injured 132 others.

The area around the epicenter of the explosion is known to be a hotbed of activity with a commercial bus [trotro] station, taxi rank, other fuel stations and traders located in the immediate vicinity.

Police and fire service investigations are yet to be concluded to ascertain the actual cause of the explosion.

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By: Anass Seidu/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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Dr. Asante also disputed claims that gas from Ghana Gas is not odorized, hence cannot be detected early when there is a leakage.

[contextly_sidebar id=”rohxJAVOxgLoqeISa4o7TXjBAUQWzQ0R”]Speaking to Citi Business News after a press conference, Dr. Asante explained that, Ghana Gas adheres strictly to the rules set by the Ghana Standards Authority in the production of gas to avert explosions.

“Ghana Gas LPG is made from raw gas. Its pressure is a little high. But I want to say this again, it is still within the limits of what Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) has stipulated”.

“Even if you put that aside, it is incumbent on any containing or handling vessels to make sure that the design of your vessels are not just to a very narrow bound of five bar. Even in most cases, for the piping, it’s got to be one and half times what you have,” he added.

Dr. Asante stated that, it is misleading for a section of the public to blame the Atomic Junction gas explosion on Ghana Gas product just because it has a pressure of 7.5.

“I don’t buy it that because Ghana Gas has got a vapour pressure of 7.5, so all our hoses are being damaged. It is easier to change that hose than to say we are not going to get our own indigenous gas. This is not the only LPG on the commercial market, and you will also note that it has been used over the last two years,” he maintained.

Dr. Asante disclosed that, the gas that leaked at the Atomic Junction gas station was not a product of Ghana Gas.

“It is instructive to note that, some of the accidents that happened at the discharge facilities actually didn’t have gas coming from Ghana Gas. These are low pressure gas coming from elsewhere” he stated.

The explosion at Atomic Junction in Accra killed seven persons, and left some 132 injured.

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By: Lawrence Segbefia/citibusinessnews.com/Ghana

The post Our gas did not cause Atomic Junction explosion – Ghana Gas   appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

Speaking to Citi News, the Chairman of the Haatso-Atomic GPRTU Taxi rank, Paul Koki, said cars belonging to some of the supposed missing drivers, were found to have been affected by the fire following the explosion.

[contextly_sidebar id=”jsAYOQknmegGaYo08TSP9ySPHKGHOUZY”]“Now, we can’t find some of our drivers. Our station, for instance, no car was burnt… There were some cars directly in front of the gas station, and those cars were burnt, but we can’t find the drivers of those cars. We don’t know where they are now. ”

According to him, since the unfortunate incident, they have not heard any word from the owners of the burnt vehicles, neither have they been sighted.

Background

On Saturday, October 7, a gas explosion occurred at Atomic junction which has so far killed seven persons and injured 132 others.

Despite the death toll of seven, some surgeons in the country have stated that deaths from accidents like these are often under-reported.

The area around the epicenter of the explosion is known to be a hotbed of activity with a commercial bus [trotro] station, taxi rank, other fuel stations and traders located in the immediate vicinity.

Police and fire service investigations are yet to be concluded to ascertain the actual cause of the explosion.

The area is currently being treated as a crime scene, with surrounding business being prevented from returning to normal operations.

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By: Marie-Franz Fordjoe/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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It said although it admits that its mandate included ensuring that the gas station where the explosion occurred was complying with environmental safety regulations, other agencies also had various roles to play in ensuring that the operations of the station did not negatively affect the environment.

[contextly_sidebar id=”vOOE7UCIXPlQANXGNxXMf2gWSnHx0zlu”]The Executive Director of the EPA, Peter Sarkodie, in an interview on Eyewitness News said other regulatory agencies and the operators of the gas station must all be blamed for the incident.

“Safety measures do not come under the jurisdiction of the EPA…a lot of institutions are responsible for ensuring sound environmental procedures in the country, so partly, I can accept some blame but not all… The Bulk of what happened can’t be directed at the doorsteps of the EPA,” he said.

“We were involved in giving the operator the permit to do so… and at a point were mandated to go for inspection and monitoring which we did, so if we left the site and we went back to our office and somebody was to discharge and there is a leakage of gas resulting in a fire outbreak., I think the blame should be laid squarely at the doorstep of the person who was involved in the discharge,” he added.

7 people were killed, with 132 others injured, as two gas explosions occurred at Atomic junction in Accra on Saturday.

The explosions left many structures destroyed with some vehicles totally burnt. The incident has revived discussions over the safety compliance levels of fuel stations in the country.

The National Petroleum Authority (NPA), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are two agencies whose level of proactivity and integrity in ensuring due diligence have been questioned.

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By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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According to the ministry, this will ensure that all safety and health standards at fuel stations are adhered to, to prevent explosions.

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of an event to inaugurate the new board of the Ghana National Gas Company Limited, Sector Minister, Boakye Agyarko, said the safety auditors will also make sure all safety equipment are in place.

[contextly_sidebar id=”keqBbhGKj14raiG8Rn81faejoK6lPVQK”]“This explosion is one too many and we need to bring it to a screeching halt. There are a lot of things that we are going to do…we will enforce all safety and health standards. NPA, which is the regulator, is now going to be allowed to hire 200 auditors who will go from station to station to make sure that safety standards are complied with, that safety equipment are all in place,” he added.

The Energy Minister also called for the introduction of the gas re-circulation policy which has been put on hold following agitations from stakeholders.

“…We have to come to the sensible and logical position of having bottling plants well under control, both technical and safety, so that they rather do the filling and bring to us in our homes. At the end of the day, what are citizens looking for, gas in their cylinders. If it’s done offsite under the strictest of safety conditions, I believe we will spare this nation the harrowing agony,” he added.

Fuel explosions in Ghana

According to the Finer Newspaper, over 250 people have perished in the last ten years in explosions recorded at various petrol/diesel and gas stations across the country.

Last Saturday, seven people died  whereas 132 others sustained varied degrees of injury following an explosion at a gas filling station at Atomic Junction in Accra.

Government has subsequently promised to enforce the necessary laws regulating the sector.

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By: Godwin Akweiteh Allotey/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Follow @AlloteyGodwin

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According to PPP, the enforcement of the laws will end avoidable disasters such as the one Ghanaians were exposed to last Saturday at a gas filling station at Atomic Junction in Accra.

About seven people perished, and 132 sustained varied degrees of injury when the MANSCO gas station exploded.

[contextly_sidebar id=”G5OI3QWvj3OGNsmoNQ4xVxRhWMwNQSqA”]Some Ghanaians have in the past demonstrated over the siting of fuel stations near their homes, but sector agencies have been silent on such issues.

The PPP in a statement signed by its National Chairman, Nii Allotey Brew Hammond, said: “As a precaution, we call on the National Petroleum Authority, Environmental Protection Agency, Ghana Standards Authority, Ghana National Fire Service, Town and Country Planning Department, the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies to act with a sense of urgency in working to ensure that gas establishments are located 100meters radius away from residential and other business areas.”

PPP in the statement also expressed confonlences to the bereaved families and prayed for speedy recovery of those who were injured.

Below is the full statement from the PPP:

PPP SYMPATHIZES WITH VICTIMS OF ATOMIC JUNCTION DISASTER

The Progressive People’s Party is distressed by the loss of innocent lives as a result of the Madina Atomic junction gas explosion.

We express our deep sadness and convey our profound sympathies to all who have been affected by this horrible tragedy and especially to the families and friends of those who have died or were injured.

We ask all Ghanaians to keep the families of the injured in their thoughts and prayers. We share their mourning and sorrow and send them our love and support during this tragic time.

For those injured, we pray and wish for a full and speedy recovery.

We commend the generous efforts of the security services, for responding with such professionalism and care.

As a precaution, we call on the National Petroleum Authority, Environmental Protection Agency, Ghana Standards Authority, Ghana National Fire Service, Town and Country Planning Department, the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies to act with a sense of urgency in working to ensure that gas establishments are located 100meters radius away from residential and other business areas.

We demand an end to these avoidable disasters.

#AWAKE GHANA.

Signed,
Nii Allotey Brew Hammond
National Chairman

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By: Godwin Akweiteh Allotey/citifmonline.com/Ghana
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Seven people died after the MANSCO Gas Filling Station exploded at Atomic Junction near Madina, leaving about 132 people injured, and seven dead.

Citi Business News’ Jessica Ayorkor Aryee on Monday morning reported that, the police has cordoned the site, halting all economic activities around the area.

[contextly_sidebar id=”YM7izQoOsvJshxdjTosZerbNnDIj4u6L”]According to her “no economic activity is allowed in the area as shops and offices around the place are all closed”.

“The popular taxi station near the explosion site has also been barricaded. Restaurants and small food joints are all closed. Some shop owners who came to open their shops have been turned away,” she added.

She stated that “There is also a heavy police presence here protecting properties and making sure people do not interfere with the ongoing investigations”.

During the explosion, several traders abandoned their wares, and instead run for their lives. In the aftermath of the explosion, some items that had been partly burnt, and others that had been burnt to ashes, were visible at the scene.

Citi Business News understands that the place will be cordoned for weeks. This is expected to affect business over the period.

Meanwhile , the Police has told Citi Business News that economic activities will be prohibited in the immediate catchment of the explosion site.

The Director of Operations at the Ghana Police Service, COP Dr. George Dampare, said businesses will not be allowed to operate there.

“It’s a process, so as we continue to investigate the rest of the crime scene, we will be engaging businesses on what to do, and as technical persons we will also advice, and at the appropriate time we will come back and let businesses know when they can resume operations”.

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By: Lawrence Segbefia/Jessica Aryee/citibusinessnews.com/Ghana

The post Businesses at Atomic Junction closed down after gas explosion appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

This comes on the back of a gas explosion at Atomic junction on Saturday, that claimed seven lives and left several others injured.

The demonstration began at about 6:00am with over a hundred demonstrators.

[contextly_sidebar id=”2mdxWSDBELeKkX1l44JeJkQqE5sOSyG0″]The demonstrators gathered at the Gas Station in the area and refused to allow its operators to open for business.

It took the timely intervention of the Police to restore calm in the area.

According to an eyewitness, “they (the demonstrators) arrived here at about 6am numbering about a hundred. They were demonstrating that they wouldn’t allow the Gas Station to operate today. This made the police rush here. On their arrival, they persuaded the demonstrators to calm down, and explained that because the tank has been filled with LPG gas, they should exercise patience till all of it is sold and will not be refilled.

Click below for the demonstration video: 

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By: Michael Ogbodu/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Ritz junction residents demonstrate against gas filling station[Video] appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

While praying for them, the NDC also consoled those who suffered varied degrees of injury.

[contextly_sidebar id=”j9GRl8hlddgFDC11VF7Jnz1gmrxOLTaV”]The NDC in a statement signed by its Deputy General Secretary, Koku Anyidoho, said “We pray that the Lord Almighty showers divine mercies and grace on them to be able to go through these very trying moments.”

The party also charged government not to neglect those who got injured in the explosion.

Some seven people lost their lives, and 132 others sustained varied degrees of injury in the gas explosion at the MANSCO gas station at Atomic Junction near the University of Ghana.

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

Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who on Saturday joined President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on a three-day official tour of the Northern Region, was compelled to leave for Accra when the news broke out.

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, speaking at the scene of the Saturday night explosion at Atomic Junction in Accra, said a policy is in the offing to deal with the safety concerns once and for all.

He said the government will it put its foot down and turn a deaf ear to arguments against proposed reforms particularly in the sale of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).

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.

The explosion occurred at the MANSCO gas station at Atomic Junction near the University of Ghana. Residents were thrown into a state of pandemonium following the piercing sound of the explosion as well as the giant scary fireball that was formed in the sky.

Below is the full statement from the NDC:

NDC Commiserates With Deceased And Injured In “Atomic” Gas Explosion

The National Democratic Congress (NDC), sends its utmost and heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in yesterday’s unfortunate gas explosion at the Atomic Junction in Accra.

In this time of grief for the whole nation in general, and in particular for the families of the deceased as well as those who are injured and have lost valuable properties, we pray that the Lord Almighty showers divine mercies and grace on them to be able to go through these very trying moments.

The NDC congratulates; the Ghana National Fire Service, the Ghana Police Service, the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), all security Agencies, the Media, and all persons, who helped to arrest the inferno and prevent it from causing much more havoc than it did.

We also thank all hospitals and medics that helped, and are helping, to save the lives of the injured.

The NDC is assured in hope, that the Government of Ghana, will do all it takes to bring relief to the victims and families of those who have been hard-hit by the explosion.

Koku Anyidoho

(NDC Deputy General Secretary, Operations)

Sunday, October 08, 2017

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By: Michael Ogbodu/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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