The Premix fuel explosion at Ngyiresia, 5 in critical condition , 2 confirmed dead

Five people are still in a critical condition following a premix fuel explosion at Ngyiresia, a fishing community near Sekondi in the Western Region. Two people have been confirmed dead.

Eleven others are battling with varying degrees of burns, Dotsey Koblah Aklorbortu reports from Sekondi.

The injured persons including a child are at the Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital and St. Benedict's Hospital.

The fire from the explosion destroyed two vehicles, which had been parked on the street and some fish processing sheds.

The incident happened at about 4 pm on Saturday [May 18, 2024]

One of the barrels which contained the premix fuel was being rolled from the point of collection to the shore in readiness for fishing expedition.

In the process of rolling the barrel across the street through the densely populated residential and fish processing sheds to the shore the  barrel was punctured and the fuel started leaking and spread through the area.

The leaking fuel had contact with a naked fire and led to the explosion.