President-Elect Joseph Nyumah Boakai Stands in Solidarity with Gas Tanker Explosion Victims in Totota, Promotes Unity and Urges Preventive Measures

Liberia’s President-Elect, Joseph Nyumah Boakai, has shown solidarity with the families affected by the recent Gas tanker Explosion in Totota, Bong County. Accompanied by his Unity Party entourage, Amb Boakai visited the site of the tragic incident on December 27, 2023. The nation was plunged into mourning just after the festive season.

A short program was conducted at the Upper Room Church. During the Service, President-Elect Boakai offered his heartfelt condolences to the families affected by the incident and provided ten million Liberian dollars (10,000,000) and 200 bags of 25kg rice. This assistance aimed to aid the hospitals, the county health team, and the national disaster management team in their relentless efforts to save lives.

Boakai stressed the need for a swift investigation into the cause of the tragedy. He emphasized the significance of basic education for citizens to ensure safety, self-awareness, and protection in emergencies. He urged state security agencies to conduct a comprehensive investigation, seeking recommendations for preventive measures.

President-Elect Boakai encouraged unity among the citizens of Totota, stating, “This situation doesn’t just concern Bong County but the entire country.” After visiting the explosion site and paying respects at the mass grave, where the victims were laid to rest, Boakai interacted with local authorities, emergency responders, and community leaders, extending sympathy to the bereaved families.

Amb Boakai expressed his sadness, remarking, “Today is a sorrowful moment for us all, not only for Bong County. We had intended to celebrate with the people of Bong County after the election, but not under these tragic circumstances.” He pledged, “We’re here to offer solace and find ways to prevent such incidents in the future. We will allocate ten million Liberian dollars and two hundred bags of rice toward addressing this tragedy.”

During the brief indoor service, several individuals had the opportunity to speak, including Liberia’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Francis Keteh. Dr. Kateh provided an update on the patients in various hospitals, stating that at Phebe Hospital in Bong County, 34 patients remain in critical condition, with one casualty. JFK Hospital holds 18 patients, with 12 loss of life. ELWA has 15 patients fighting for survival, with 7 deaths. The Military Hospital has 14 patients, with 2 casualties, while the Catholic Hospital has 5 patients and one fatality. Only two patients have been discharged.

Dr. Francis kateh speaking in Totota Bong county at Upper Room church

Dr. Kateh commended the county health team for their efforts in safeguarding the remaining lives.

Also making huge Donation, The Leadership of the Unity Party through it's Party Chairman Rev. Luther Tarpeh made a commitment of seven hundred (700) United States Dollars or a little over 130, 000.00 Liberian Dollars 

Making the commitment in Bong County on behalf of the UP Leadership on Sunday, Unity Party National Chairman Rev. Luther Tarped admonished all Liberians to begin the process of educating one another to avoid the reoccurrence of similar situations in the country.

Rev.Luther Tarpeh Speaking on Behalf of Unity Party in Totota Bong County

Rev. Tarpeh said the commitment was made by the Party as its own way of sympathizing with Totota Explosion Victims and Bereaved Families.