MONROVIA, LIBERIA-President George Weah has expressed deepest condolences to the families of Tuesday’s fire victims in Totota, Bong County.

President Weah described images of the tragedy as deeply disturbing and called on humanitarian agencies to intervene during this period of national tragedy.

An Executive Mansion release issued recently quotes the Liberian Leader as also commending the Liberia National Red Cross and other private institutions for swift interventions in recovery and treatment efforts.

Meanwhile, health authorities have confirmed the deaths of more than forty people following the explosion of a gas tanker in Totota.

Liberia’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Francis Kateh, said the death toll is expected to rise, following the completion of an ongoing tracing of victims.

Dr. Kateh disclosed that some of those who sustained major injuries are undergoing treatment at different hospitals in Monrovia.

He named the John F. Kennedy Medical Center, the 14-Military Hospitals, Saint Joseph Catholic Hospital, and the ELWA Hospital, among others.

It is reported that some locals in the area attempted to scoop the content of the trapped tanker when the explosion happened on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, eleven bodies have been buried in mass graves, close to the incident cite in Totota, Bong County.

At the same time, the Management of ArcelorMittal-Liberia has donated several medical supplies to the Phebe Referral Hospital in Bong County.

The Hospital Communications Officer, Samuel Kplaiwru, said:” The move is intended to buttress efforts by the Hospital to cater to the fire survivors.”

Mr. Kplaiwru, however, lauded the Management of ArcelorMittal-Liberia for the gesture, describing it as timely.

Mr. Samuel Kplaiwru then expressed the Phebe Hospital’s commitment to ensure that the injured fire victims are treated properly.

By: Vasta Tarlue/Emmanuel Bondo