By Moses J. Dawoe/Southeast Correspondent
A tragic gasoline fire has claimed the life of a one-year-and-five-month-old child and left three others critically injured in Manolu, Karluway District, following a kitchen explosion on April 26, 2025.
The incident occurred when Peter Johnson, a local chainsaw operator, attempted to measure gasoline inside his kitchen after borrowing it to fuel his Chainsaw for charcoal production.
Despite repeated warnings from his wife, Cecelia Johnson, about the dangers of handling gasoline near fire, Johnson reportedly dismissed her concerns, insisting that the gas mixed with oil was safe.
According to Manolu Town Chief Abraham Chelleh, Johnson had credited half a gallon of gasoline from a friend earlier that day.
At the time of the explosion, Sunday Toe Nyemah, a friend of Johnson, was visiting with his young child, who he carried on his shoulder while standing inside the kitchen.
Chief Chelleh explained that the fire broke out when the child accidentally knocked over the container of gasoline, igniting a blaze that engulfed the kitchen.
The toddler died in the fire, while three others, including Nyemah and Johnson, sustained critical burns.
All victims were rushed to the James Jenkins Dossen Memorial Hospital, commonly referred to as JJ Dossen, in Harper.
The deceased child, according to Chief Chelleh, hailed from Doloken, another town in Karluway District. The family is said to be devastated by the loss.
In response to the tragedy, Chief Chelleh is calling on Maryland County authorities to provide emergency medical and financial support for the survivors.
He emphasized the urgent need for assistance, noting that the victims require intensive care.
As a precautionary measure, Chief Chelleh also announced a temporary ban on the storage of gasoline within Manolu.
He urged residents to handle fuel only in open areas, preferably on their farms, to prevent future incidents
