Wednesday night became a night of tragedy in New Kru Town when approximately twenty-nine persons lost their lives in a stampede that occurred at a two-day crusade being held by the General Overseer of the More Grace Ministries International, Apostle Abraham Kromah, at the D. Tweh sports stadium.
Report emanating from the tragic scene has it that, while the crusade was at its closure for the night, some attendees, who were trying to make their way home, met along the road a group of individuals, allegedly “zogoes”, who harassed them—demanding that they give them some of the money that they came from spending on Apostle Kromah.
Being afraid and not knowing what to do, they began to run back to the D. Tweh field, where the crusade was being held.
When they reached the entrance of D. Tweh, some of their colleagues decided to asked them what was happening, but their revelation of criminals attacking them caused panic: hundreds of participants of the revival began rushing to the entrance to make their way out, while the others tried to make their way back into the compound for fear of being attacked by the criminals.
At this point, hell broke loose, and the two crowds from different angles crashed into each other, with the strong surviving and the weak falling, stepped on by the scared, unnoticing crowd.
Some individuals instantly lost their lives while others were badly injured and rushed to the Redemption Hospital for medical attention.
By yesterday evening, Women TV reported that the medical doctor (MD) at Redemption Hospital, Dr. Williameta S. Williams-Gibson, had confirmed twenty-nine (29) deaths: 2 males, 1 pregnant woman, 15 adult women, 5 boys and 6 girls.
The online platform also reported that Dr. Williams-Gibson also confirmed that additional 15 persons were admitted: 6 in emergency room, 2 in maternity ward and 7 children.
Observers have squarely blamed the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) for keeping the streets in darkness. They observed that electricity is security; as such, if there was electricity the attack on the peaceful crusaders would not have been possible. They maintained that it was the darkness that harbored the criminals; with electricity, there would have been no way for the criminals to set a blockade. They blasted the administration of the LEC, and called on them to revisit their strategy in distributing electricity.
Sometime ago, the US government boasted of investing about US$500 million for electricity and road in Liberia, through the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), but it appears like the management of the LEC is making no effort in managing the equipment.
Even though they have blame power theft for electricity uncertainties, the corporation has not proved that it has the capacity to adequately provide electricity for little Monrovia, lest to mention the fifteen political sub-divisions of the nation.
Meanwhile, President George M. Weah has declared a 3-day state of national mourning following the tragic and heavy loss of lives in the stampede in New Kru Town, outside Monrovia.
The President has ordered that the national ensign be flown at half-mast at all public buildings throughout the Republic while the nation mourns.
The President is disheartened by the national calamity.
The Liberian leader has mandated the police to conduct a full-scale investigation to ascertain whether or not there is criminal culpability. He urged the authorities of the LNP to ensure the investigation is speedy and thorough, saying that anyone found liable will be dealt with by the law.
The Liberian leader has also called on health authorities, including the Liberia National Red Cross and the Disaster Management Agency, to assist with treatment and recovery efforts.
President Weah has conveyed his deepest sympathies to the families of the bereaved while thanking all those who provided help to the victims in the immediate aftermath of the stampede.
Meanwhile, the dedication ceremony of the new Duala Market, which was to be performed by the President yesterday, has been postponed indefinitely in deference to the deceased.