[Pictures/Videos] Flood & Fire Cause Over 100 Deaths at Kwame Nkrumah Circle, Accra

Floods shut down the capital of Ghana and caused a fire that killed scores of people on Wednesday and Thursday (June 3 & 4, 2015) in Accra.

At least half a dozen have died and several others seriously burned in a Goil fuel station blaze at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle in Accra.

The fire started as people in the city are trying to cope with two days of heavy rain, which has left many homeless and without power.

 

The flooding hampered rescue efforts and may have led to the fire, the BBC's Sammy Darko reports from Accra. - BBC

About six fire tenders were battling the fire, which was said to have started at around 9pm, unimpeded by the pouring rain.

One of those who died in the blaze was a child - BBC

The child's mother was consoled by bystanders - BBC

The number of casualties could be higher by Thursday, when firemen expect to bring the blaze under total control, according to eyewitnesses. Apart from the fuel station, which was destroyed completely, the fire also razed several other homes and businesses, including a drugstore and a forex bureau.

Among those trapped in the blaze were young men who trade in the vicinity and others who had sought shelter from hours of torrential rains that have devastated the capital.

Some of the dead were visible on the pavement in front of the fuel station, after the floods had receded slightly; they were apparently drowned and were spotted with burns.

Survivor Yaw Aforve said he was sleeping in his car at the petrol station when he heard the fire - BBC

Bus conductor Yaw Aforve was sleeping in his vehicle which was parked at the petrol station when the fire started.
He said he jumped into the floodwaters and when he came up for air, the fire burnt his face.
"I was swept away by the water to the other side [of the road]," he added. "I saw so many people screaming and shouting."

Cricle Disaster covered by Fati Shailbu Ali and Cameraman Kweku Ansah.Fighting a raging fire and rescuing flood victims all at the same time; fire fighters and personnel from the National Disaster Management Organization had a tough time managing what has now become a major disaster in the country. Close to fifty people burnt to death, several others are unaccounted for. Tens are receiving treatment at the 37 military, Ridge and Korlebu teaching hospitals. It took the fire service hours to bring the fire under control.

Posted by e.TV Ghana on Wednesday, June 3, 2015

On June 3, heavy rains led to an explosion at a fuel station around the Kwame Nkrumah Circle in Accra, Ghana. Over 90 people lost their lives with several persons sustaining various degrees of injuries. This feature by Philip Ashon, looks at the events of June 4, 2015 and looks at how Ghanaians dealt with the loss. #ThisMustStop

Posted by Citi 97.3 FM on Thursday, June 4, 2015