Ghana gas explosion: Death toll climbs to 175

The death toll from an explosion at a gas station in Ghana's capital, Accra, has climbed to 175, officials said.

The victims had sought shelter there from the torrential rains, which had left many homeless and without power in the city since the last two days, reports the BBC.

The explosion was caused by a fire that erupted in a nearby lorry on Wednesday night and then spread to the gas station and other buildings in the city. The rescue efforts have been hampered by the flooding.

President John Mahama, who visited the gas station yesterday, asked people to be calm as the authorities tried to cope with the twin disasters: fire and flooding. He has also announced three days of national mourning to begin on Monday.