W/Region: Gas Tanker Explosion Kills Two at Baku

Two persons have died from a gas tanker explosion at Baku, a community near the Atuabo Gas Processing plant in the Western Region.

Two others are said to have suffered various degrees of injury, and are receiving treatment at the Ekwe Hospital.

The gas tanker was en-route to the Atuabo Gas processing plant site from Takoradi when the driver noticed a fault.

He then proceeded to a welding shop to get the suspected gas leak fixed.

The tanker then exploded killing a welding apprentice on the spot, and injuring three others, according to the Ellembelle District Police Commander, Superintendent Thomas Bayor.

“There was some type of leakage so the driver invited a welder who came to weld and because of the lighting of the flame, the tanker exploded and there were four people around so three were injured and one died on the spot,” Supt. Bayor said.

The driver’s conductor, who was among the injured, later died from his injuries at the Ekwe Mission Hospital.

The deceased persons have been identified as Samuel Kenyah, the welder apprentice, and Amos Tetteh, the driver’s mate.

The other two injured persons have also been identified as Michael Boavo, 26, and Jackson Bosompem, 23, both welders are currently receiving treatment at the Ekwe Hospital.

The driver is also assisting the Elembelle Police with investigations into the incident.

100 injured in 2017 Takoradi explosion

This is the first major gas explosion in 2018 which has recorded fatalities.

The Western Region witnessed a major gas explosion in May 2017, when two gas tankers exploded when they were discharging gas at a fuel station on the Sekondi-Takoradi road.

This explosion left over 100 persons injured including Ghana Fire Service personnel, students at a nearby school, and employees of a Metro Mass depot.

Source: Citifmonline