Government has still not compensated us after two years - Atomic Gas explosion victims

Two years after the massive gas explosion which occurred at the Atomic junction area in Madina, victims are yet to claim their compensation as promised by government.

According to inhabitants at the area, they had high hopes in government despite the huge loss incurred on their businesses.

Life seems to be going on years after, as merchants have been able to pick up from the shambles caused by the explosion upon www.ghanaweb.xn--coms-x96a visit to the place.

On the night of October 7, 2017, an explosion erupted at the Mansco Gas Filling Station at the Atomic Junction.

The epidemic was followed by huge fire balls which escalated into the sky leaving hundreds of residents in and around Madina and Atomic, including students of the University of Ghana and Presbyterian Boys School fleeing their abodes.

Accounts from eye-witnesses indicate that the explosion struck when a gas tanker was offloading its contents at a station. The fire instantly spread to a fuel station adjacent the gas filling station.

Some government and NADMO officials came to the scene to ascertain extent of damage and to empathize with those affected, promising victims that they will be duly compensated.

Victims admitted that although some officials took records of their names, they haven’t heard from them stating that they looked forward to the assistance so they could rejuvenate their businesses.

A fruits seller said he had most of his fruits burnt from the fire and had to borrow some money from someone to start from the scratch.

“Prior to the explosion we bought four cartons of grapes and bananas but we lost all to the inferno. We had to borrow money, about GHC20, before we could start the business again. No one has been here. We haven’t seen anyone.”

A Trotro driver recounting his experience said, “Two years ago when the explosion happened, most of our brothers got injured and their cars got burnt. We were expecting some help from the government for those affected. They came round to put down names of persons who needed help promising to return with help. We have no idea when the help will come.”

Another driver, expressed worry about the fact that drivers and traders have been asked to move from the station located at the Atomic Junction to an unspecified place.

“We’ve been asked to move from here but we have nowhere to go. We are pleading to the government to come to our aid.”