Kwahu-Foda gas explosion death toll rises to five

Four more persons have died in yesterday’s gas explosion at Kwahu-Foda in the Eastern Region, bringing the death toll to five.

The explosion occurred after a gas tanker veered off the road and run into a church building.

Confirming the death toll to JoyNews, Thursday, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Mpraeso, Seth Kwame Acheampong noted it was the first time an accident like that happened in the area.

According to him, in an area dominated by Muslims, many houses were burnt down and the chief Imam for the area was pleaded with to allow people to pass the night in the mosque, while help is sought from the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO).

In the interim, the MP noted that the two assemblies together with the MPs in the area put together few relief items such as mats, cups, buckets, mosquito repellents, bowls, and other items to ameliorate the plight of the victims.

JoyNews’ Eastern Regional Correspondent, Kofi Siaw reported that several houses have been razed to the ground leaving most of the people homeless. Additionally, some affected people are putting up with friends.

Food crops were also not spared the ravages of the fire disaster, Siaw reported.

However, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Kwahu West, Alex Obeng Somuah said the incident is beyond the capacity of the assembly, as it is liaising with the NADMO and the Eastern Regional Co-ordinating Council to come to aid the affected persons.