Liberian President, George Manneh Weah, has declared a three-day National Mourning following the tragic loss of lives in a stampede in New Kru Town outside Monrovia.
The incident took place during an open-air church service in the area Wednesday night, January 19, 2022 at a two-day power-packed crusade at the D. Twe Memorial High School soccer pitch in the borough of New Kru Town on Bushrod Island.
At least, 28 worshippers at the crusade were confirmed dead following a stampede at the overcrowded venue of the church meeting. Other unconfirmed reports put the number at 30. Hospital officials say the number could go up.
The crusade which began Tuesday, January 18, 2022 was organized by Apostle Abraham Kromah, Senior Pastor of the Word of Life Outreach Ministry popularly known as “More Grace,” located in New Georgia Estate, Gardnersville, outside Monrovia.
Weah directs national ensign be flown at half-mast
The Executive Mansion says President Weah has ordered that the national ensign be flown at half-mast at all public buildings throughout the Republic while the nation mourns.
He has mandated the police to conduct a full-scale investigation to ascertain whether or not there is criminal culpability.
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Weah also urged the authorities of the Liberia National Police (LNP) to ensure the investigation is speedy and thorough, saying that anyone found liable will be dealt with by the law.
He has called on health authorities, including the Liberian National Red Cross and the Disaster Management Agency, to assist with treatment and recovery.
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 on Thursday, 20 January 2022 has been postponed indefinitely in reference to the deceased.
The Dead
Among the dead confirmed were 11 children (six girls and five boys) and 17 adults. Among the dead adults are 15 females including a pregnant woman and two males.
Apostle Kromah is widely known across Liberia as a healing prophet and deliverance minister due to his many miracles.
Over 20 children between ages seven and 13 along with several elderly women were seen being rushed from the crusade ground to the Redemption Hospital situated right in the borough late Wednesday.
The victims taken to hospital included a pregnant woman, who was later pronounced dead by health authority, while others are undergoing critical medical examinations with their fate uncertain due to the influx of patients at the facility.
The stampede ensued as a result of severe heat and subsequent attacks by criminals commonly called Zorgoes, who blocked the main entrance of the gate to the crusade grounds, demanding worshippers to turn over all belongings or personal effects.
Speaking to this paper in an interview, an elder lady only identified as Ma Hawa narrates that she took along three children, but they were caught up in the crowd and stepped upon by worshippers while trying to make their way outside the fence.
“My son, my children ooo, they have been taken in the hospital. The status of their condition I just don’t know now. The people are attacking us. The place is very packed and the zogoes are making their way. We are dying. Only God now o-o, see how they are rushing in with people. My children!” she lamented.
