A small team of medical professionals, including a surgeon, has been deployed to help burn victims being treated at ELWA Hospital in Liberia.
Dozens were killed and scores more were burned when a gas tanker exploded late Tuesday, Dec. 26, in the central Liberian town of Totota. An estimated 40 people died and more than 80—at least—were injured, health officials said.
About 20 of those injured were taken to ELWA (Eternal Love Winning Africa) Hospital in Paynesville, Monrovia, Liberia. Samaritan’s Purse has a longstanding partnership with this hospital, and we quickly deployed a small team of medical professionals, including a surgeon, to help them care for such a large influx of patients with severe burns.
Samaritan’s Purse has had a country office in Liberia for many years, providing medical care and relief during the terrible Ebola outbreak of 2014-16, among other crises. We are coordinating our current efforts with the nation’s Ministry of Health.
The Liberia National Red Cross Society and Bong County Health Team responded to the initial scene of the accident and subsequent explosion. Before the blast occurred, a chaotic scene was unfolding as people were trying to access gasoline from the leaking vehicle.
Please pray for healing for the injured and encouragement for their families during these dark days. Please pray for strength and wisdom for ELWA staff members and our team as they treat these patients and demonstrate the love of God in action.
