Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Continuous In-woods Production of Biochar Using a Trailer-Mounted Air Curtain Burner
Published on: April 5, 2024
Burn disasters in the middle belt of Ghana from 2007 to 2008 and their consequences
P Agbenorku1, J Akpaloo, B F Farhat
1Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, Kumasi, Ghana. pimagben@yahoo.com
Aim:
To study the survival and mortality trends in four fire disasters in the middle belt of Ghana from 2007 to 2008 and to explore measures that could minimize the risk of future disasters.
Methods:
Data were collected from clinical records from the Burns Intensive Care Unit and the Casualty Unit of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana and from the various disaster sites and the Ghana Police Service.
Results:
A total of 212 were injured from four burn disasters; 37 (17%) died on the spot; 175 (83%) reported to the Casualty Unit out of which 46 (26%) were admitted. The victims admitted had mean age 24.6 years with male to female ratio 2.3:1; 25 (54%) of the admitted victims died. The average burned surface area of the admitted victims was 63%, with a mean survival rate of 46%. Statistical analysis for mortality when the surface area of the burn was >70% was 0.0005 (P-value).
Conclusion:
The four petrol-related fire disasters showed variable mortality rates. Death and severe disability of victims of future disasters can be avoided if intensive road accident preventive measures and massive public education are encouraged.
Related Concept Videos
Burn Injuries
The damage results in the death of skin cells, which can lead to a massive loss of fluid. Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and renal and circulatory failure follow, which can be fatal. Burn patients are treated with intravenous fluids to offset...
Global Climate Change
Responses to Drought and Flooding
The Carbon Cycle
Enthalpy and Heat of Reaction
Combustion Energy: A Measure of Stability in Alkanes and Cycloalkanes
Alkanes undergo combustion in the presence of excess oxygen and high-temperature conditions to give carbon dioxide and water. A combustion reaction is the energy source in natural gas, liquified petroleum gas (LPG), fuel oil, gasoline, diesel fuel, and...
