By Monrovia, Liberia- President George Manneh Weah has announced a week of national mourning starting Sunday, January 7, 2024, in response to a devastating tanker explosion in Totota on Tuesday, December 26. The incident occurred when a gas tanker veered off the road, leading to a fatal explosion as locals attempted to extract its contents. Dire situation reports from health authorities indicate a growing number of fatalities, prompting the Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Francis Kateh, to disclose that approximately 40 people died immediately, with more succumbing to severe burns in the following days.
Expressing his deepest condolences to the affected families, President Weah called for national unity and solidarity in the face of this tragedy. He urged health authorities to deploy all available resources, including additional manpower and equipment, to manage the increasing number of injuries resulting from the incident. The President found the images from the explosion deeply disturbing and called on the bereaved families to find solace in their faith.
In response to the national mourning, all prelates and houses of worship are encouraged to continue praying for the bereaved families and the injured. President Weah has also ordered that flags on all public buildings be flown at half-mast throughout the week of mourning.
By: Domingo Dargbeh
