MONROVIA, LIBERIA-The United Bong County Association in the Americas says it is saddened by the irreparable loss of lives that occurred recently in Totota, Bong County, after a fuel tanker exploded killing more than forty people.

In a dispatch from Minnesota, the United States of America, the National Executive President, Caimon Joe Gbamokollie, expressed condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.

Mr. Gbamokollie prayed that God would give the families solace during this period of bereavement.

He expressed appreciation, on behalf of the Association, to the first responders, medical teams from Phebe Medical Center in Bong County, the John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital and ELWA Hospital in Monrovia, and other health facilities for the enormous work they are doing to save lives.

The Association thanked citizens, well-meaning Liberians, and the Bong County Legislative Caucus, led by Representative Maima Briggs for the disaster relief efforts they are undertaking.

Meanwhile, the Association has committed to contribute to current relief efforts and has constituted a National Emergency Disaster Relief Committee to work with local authorities.

The Committee is chaired by Blyden Kennedy and includes the National Operations Chairman, Leo Mulbah.

At the same time, national and international organizations have been urged to identify with victims of the Totota fire disaster.

Madam Leelai Kpukuyou-Brown, Executive Director of the African Youth Empowerment and Women’s Initiatives (AYOEWI) said the fire incident has left the families of the victims traumatized.

Madam Kpuykuyou-Brown called on the National Disaster Management Agency, Liberia National Red Cross Society, Charitable Health and Welfare Organizations, and citizens of Bong County, home and abroad, to come to their aid.

Madam Leelai Kpukuyou-Brown said her organization has provided medical supplies and is expected to undertake psychosocial counseling for the families of the victims.