2023 Totota fire

2023 Totota fire

Date	December 26, 2023 (2023-12-26)
Location	Totota, Bong County, Liberia
Cause	truck crash
Deaths	89
Non-fatal injuries	40

On December 26, 2023, a fuel truck crashed and exploded while people were collecting spilled fuel in the rural town of Totota, Liberia around 130km away from the capital Monrovia. ^[1] The explosion started a fire, which killed over 70 people. ^[2]

Background

According to UN Figures poor road safety and weak infrastructure made Sub-Saharan Africa including Liberia the worlds deadliest region for crashes. ^[3]

Accident

On December 26, 2023, the fuel tanker was involved in an accident on the road which caused is to veer off the road and toppled over on its side. People nearby went to collect the spilt fuel but in the process the tanker exploded and started a massive fire. ^[4] In total, over 70 people were killed and many were injured ^[5]

Reactions

President George Weah sent sympathy for the people of Totota and declared a week of mourning ^[6]

Neighbouring Sierra Leone sent medical workers to the area to help the wounded ^[7]

References

1. France-Presse, Agence (December 29, 2023). "Liberia fuel tanker explosion kills at least 40". The Guardian.
2. "Church leader minister in Liberia after deadly fuel tanker explosion". January 20, 2024.
3. "Over 40 killed as gas tanker explodes in Liberia's Totota". Al Jazeera.
4. Lomax, Selma (December 26, 2023). "Bong County Tanker Explosion: Phebe Hospital Overwhelmed as Death Toll Rises to 15".
5. "Church leaders minister in Liberia after deadly fuel tanker explosion". Church News. January 20, 2024.
6. "Liberia: President Weah declares Week of National Mourning". January 7, 2024.
7. "World Bank Responds to Gas Tanker Explosion Expresses - Condolences and Support as Liberia Mourns".