A devastating explosion of domestic gas has struck Sepe, a suburb of Kumasi, the capital of the Ashanti Region, resulting in the loss of three lives and leaving one individual injured.
The deceased, identified by authorities as Hamdella Jibril (37 years old), Kenyeyiti Meena-Lla Adam (5 years old), and Rafat Huruna (18 years old), tragically lost their lives in the explosion.
Meanwhile, Majid Adams, the sole survivor, is currently receiving medical treatment at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH).
The incident occurred around 8 am on April 10, 2024, when Hamdella Jibril detected a gas leak emanating from their six-kilogram gas cylinder in the kitchen.
Attempting to address the issue, Jibril moved the cylinder outside, unaware of the nearby coal pot ablaze.
Regrettably, the ignition from the coal pot triggered a powerful explosion, resulting in fatalities and injuries.
Despite the severity of the explosion, the affected family chose to bury the deceased without informing the police. It wasn’t until April 19, 2024, that an informant alerted authorities about the incident, prompting an investigation.
Upon arrival at the scene, police officials confirmed details provided by family elders, who disclosed that the deaths occurred on different dates following the explosion.
“Police proceeded to the scene and met three elders of the deceased’s family namely Mohammad Muniru Ridwan, Fuseini Wahab and Gibrine Lami, who confirmed the story.
“According to the elders, the incident occurred on April 10, 2024 about 8am, resulting in the death of Hamdella Jibril, aged 37, Kenyeyiti Meena-Lla Adam, aged 5, and Rafat Huruna aged 18.
“Majid Adams, who was also affected by the explosion, is currently on admission at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital,” a Manhyia Divisional Police report sighted by the paper said.
The report said the trio did not die on the same day, noting that, “On April 11, 2024, Kenyeyiti Meena died and on April 17, 2024 Haruna Adams and Hamdella Jibril also died,” adding, “The three deceased have since been buried without informing the police.”
Kenyeyiti Meena-Lla Adam passed away on April 11, 2024, while Rafat Huruna and Hamdella Jibril succumbed to their injuries on April 17, 2024.
The trio was laid to rest without prior notification to law enforcement.
As part of ongoing investigations, three family members of the deceased have been summoned to assist the police in gathering further information regarding the tragic incident.