Ghana – An explosion in the western rural region of the country left hundreds of buildings smoldered along with the death of a number of residents.
According to the reports, a truck full of explosives for a gold mine accidentally collided with a motorcycle.
The huge site was reduced into brick, twisted iron metals, and piles of wood within seconds.
Many unverified videos were shared on social media which showcased the intensity of the humongous blast.
One of the videos showed two dead bodies crumpled into each other on the ground shrouded with dust.
A deep crater was visible at the epicenter of the massive explosion while the onlookers were trying to look into the rim.
The Deputy Director General of the National Disaster Management organization, Seji Saji Amedonu exclaimed that about 500 buildings have been damaged by the explosion.
A regional emergency officer stated that he had seen as many as 10 dead bodies at the location.
“The public has been advised to move out of the area to nearby towns for their safety while recovery efforts are underway,” the police said in a statement.
The police have requested nearby public outlets such as churches, classrooms, etc. to open up for the survivors of the blast.
As per the reports, the massive explosion took place in Apiate – a mining area located between Bawdie and Bogoso. A motorcycle crossed the paths with a truck carrying explosives. The truck was owned by a company named Maxam and was on its way to the Chirano gold mine, a Toronto-based Kinross.
The spokesperson of Kinross confirmed the fatal incident stating that it occurred 140 kilometers away from the mine.
The President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo expressed his grief about the incident while stating that there have been casualties and the number might increase.“It is a truly … tragic incident, and I extend, on behalf of Government, deep condolences to the families of the deceased,” he said.
