A huge explosion near a mining town in western Ghana has left at least 17 people dead.
A preliminary investigation carried out by Ghana Police Service, revealed that the explosion occurred at Apiate between Bogoso and Bawdie in the Western Region on Thursday January 20, after a collision between a vehicle carrying mining explosives and a motorcycle.
The mining vehicle which was containing large amounts of explosives, was reportedly moving from Tarkwa and heading towards Chirano mines when it collided with a motorcycle on the stretch of the Bogoso road.
The police said in its statement;
“Preliminary investigation has established that a mining explosive vehicle moving from Tarkwa to Chirano mines collided with a motorcycle resulting in the explosion.”
Images shared by local media showed a large plume of black smoke rising above destroyed buildings and scattered debris as residents call for help. Graphic videos showed mutilated bodies of victims. A large crater can also be seen beside a road.
At least 59 people were injured, some of whom were in a critical condition, Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah said.
The Ghana Police Service in collaboration with other emergency service providers, “activated a full emergency recovery exercise.”
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