The D. Twe High School campus was yesterday morning a scene of sorrow when closed to 30 citizens lost their lives in a stampede from a crusade.
The stampeded which occurred at the close of the religious event organized by Pastor Abraham Kromah of the Word of Life Outreach Ministries known as “More Grace Ministry” woke the inhabitants of the Borough of New Kru Town to that fateful tragedy.
What appeared to be a national tragedy was purportedly attributed to the sinister motive of some “Zogos” on Thursday, January 20, 2022.
The Borough of New Kru Town is a densely populated place and is situated in Electoral District16, Montserrado County represented by Dixon Seboe.
Giving eye witnesses accounts, residents pointed accusing fingers at the notorious zogos stating that while those who attended the crusade were retiring to their various homes, it was alleged that some disadvantage youths took knives to attack peaceful citizens.
Amongst other things, frightened residents decided to rush back in the D. Tweh fence which was used as the crusade ground for fear of their dear lives.
“When the news reached us while we were still in the fence, and as frightened as we were, we then attempted making our way home through a rather small entrance,” one survivor explained.
“While rushing to force ourselves through the narrow door, there was also news that the “zogos” were at the front of the entrance, so people who left were rushing back while some of us who were in, started pushing one another,” another survivor added.
“In the process several people were killed while many got wounded,” a survivor identified as Ma-Wade told our reporter during an exclusive interview yesterday.
Statistics given us from the Redemption Hospital authority was that at least 18 adults and 11 children have been confirmed dead so far.
Latest update from the Redemption Hospital following the stampede is also reporting that 29 deaths have been confirmed comprising two males, 16 females, one pregnant woman summing up to 18 adults, 11 children.
Currently admitted at the Redemption Hospital are 15 persons. Six in emergency room with two in the maternity wards and seven children respectively.
Representative Seboe confirmed the death toll but added that the deaths could swell because there are reports that some of those killed were taken to other hospitals as well as those who sustained wounds.
Another eyewitness alleged that prior to the disaster; a lady confessed that the Apostle will be in trouble because as she put it, “The pastor was embarrassing them in their witchcraft kingdom.”
The eyewitness added that a lady who reportedly confessed claiming that something serious would have happened during the course of the crusade was apprehended and is in police protective custody to avoid been lynched to death by the angry mob.
The police confirmed the alleged detention of the alleged witch but did not elaborate further.
Meanwhile, New Kru Town Community Chairperson, identified as only Teah, blamed Pastor Kromah for the disaster.
Speaking on Ok FM live yesterday, Teah alleged that Pastor Kromah never had the requisite security to protect the people, alleging that the Pastor only provided security for himself and left citizens vulnerable.
But Teah’s statement irritated some bystanders who were believed to be members of the Kromah church who did not hesitate going in their pastor’s defense vehemently.
Meanwhile, the Police has confirmed 29 deaths and reported that 17 persons were rescued by the Redemption Hospital and are responding to medication while five persons are currently in detention at the National Police Headquarters in connection to the tragic incident that led to the huge loss of lives.
Addressing reporters at the Redemption Hospital after a tour of the site and viewing the victims, the Police Inspector General Patrick Sudue said though his police administration was not aware of the huge gathering, it responded swiftly to remedy the situation.
Mr. Sudue further recommended the public to see the sad incident from the New Kru Town Community as a moment to remember and avoid hosting events that will have large audience without notifying the LNP for security of the citizens.
He however mandated his Deputy Inspector for Operations, Melvin Sackor, to begin vigorous search of zogos hiding in various communities who are bent on causing serious problems for citizens in the midst of other issues confronting them.
“As of now, the LNP will start going after zogos like we did before in the Kuwait Community to make sure that they are prevented from disturbing peaceful citizens in the country,” he said.