Remembering June 3: A Decade Since Accra’s Deadly Flood and Fire Devastation
A decade since the tragic event that shook Accra and changed Ghana’s disaster management
- In 2015, heavy flooding and a fuel station explosion in Accra killed 154 people and injured many others
- The disaster was triggered by flooding that caused fuel to leak and ignite, worsening the tragedy
- Ten years later, calls continue for better drainage
Ten years ago today, Accra was shaken by a catastrophic flood and fire disaster that claimed 154 lives and left the nation grieving.
On the night of June 3, 2015, relentless rains flooded the city, culminating in a devastating explosion at the GOIL fuel station near Kwame Nkrumah Circle, turning an already severe flood crisis into a heartbreaking tragedy.
Many people had sought refuge at the filling station as floodwaters rose, but fuel leaked into the waterlogged streets. A single spark—caused by a cigarette reportedly dropped by an individual—ignited the fuel, triggering a massive explosion that engulfed the area in flames.
The scene that followed was heartbreaking: bodies scattered in the streets and drains, and emergency workers faced a daunting task as they labored for weeks to manage the aftermath. The government declared three days of national mourning to honor the victims.
An official investigation later traced the disaster’s cause to a combination of flooding, fuel overflow, and the fatal spark.
The committee recommended major drainage improvements, including dredging the Odaw River and its tributaries, and the establishment of a sanitation police force to enforce environmental regulations.
Despite some efforts to address these issues, many underlying problems—such as poor urban drainage, waste mismanagement, and unchecked development—persist, leaving Accra vulnerable to similar disasters.
As the country marks the tenth anniversary of this devastating event, survivors, families, and advocacy groups renew their calls for accountability and lasting solutions to prevent another tragedy like the June 3 disaster.
