The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has closed down the gas station which exploded last week in Accra, killing nine people and injuring over 40.

It said its preliminary investigations shows that there was leakage at the gas station that exploded at about 5 am at La, a suburb of Accra, before it affected neighbouring installations and cars.

READ MORE: Time to consider the citing of gas stations in Ghana – Nana Addo

The agency explained that the decision to close down the station is to make way for the evacuation of the gas and also prevent “any further danger to public health and safety.”

In addition, the entire road stretch leading to the gas station remains closed to the public in a bid to prevent further accidents.

Over 40 victims of the explosion are currently on admission at various hospitals in Accra including the 37 Military hospital, Police hospital, La general hospital and the Korle-Bu teaching hospital.

The explosion occurred at about 4 pm on Thursday, December 22, between the Labadi Cemetery and the Trade Fair Centre. It took fire officers more than four hours to control the inferno which had spread to nearby shops and parts of the Trade Fair Centre.

READ MORE: Stay away from area around La gas station – Police advise public

Both President John Mahama and President-elect Nana AKufo-Addo have visited the victims to sympathise with them.

The government has also announced that it foot the bills of the victims.