June 3 disaster was avoidable – Prof. Gordon

Environmental scientist Professor Christopher Gordon discussed the June 3, 2015, disaster in Accra. This tragedy claimed over 150 lives and could have been avoided. Proper planning and safety measures were lacking.

The disaster involved severe flooding and a fuel station explosion at Kwame Nkrumah Circle. Torrential rains caused widespread flooding. Fuel leaked from a GOIL station and ignited, killing many who sought shelter there.

On Channel One TV's The Point of View with Bernard Avle, Prof. Gordon called it a preventable tragedy. He compared it to the stadium disaster due to its magnitude. "Death by fire or drowning is nothing to wish on anyone," he said.

Prof. Gordon noted that many people were also injured in the incident. He attributed the catastrophe to poor urban discipline and climate change. A lack of regulatory enforcement contributed as well.

He stated, "It was a combination of indiscipline and climate change."

Key Facts About the June 3 Disaster:

- The disaster began when floodwaters caused a fuel leak at GOIL.
- Many people took shelter from heavy rains at the station.
- The leaked fuel ignited due to a lit cigarette or electrical fault.
- This led to a massive explosion and intense fire.
- The fire engulfed the station, nearby buildings, and vehicles, killing many instantly.