A vehicle delivering explosives moving from Tarkwa to a mine site has collided with a motorcycle resulting in a huge explosion that killed at least 17 people, razed down a number of nearby buildings, damaging vehicles plying the route with passengers and inhabitants sustained varying degrees of injuries.
According to a Police statement, a vehicle carrying mining explosives collided with a motorcycle between Bogoso and Bawdie, resulting in the motorcycle catching fire, ignited the van which burst into flames and exploded.
“The driver sustained deep cuts on the head and has been rushed to Government Hospital, Tarkwa. A number of people including the motor bike rider are feared dead. Extensive damage was caused to a nearby ECG transformer.” the statement said.
Police called on nearby towns to "open up their classrooms, churches etc to accommodate surviving victims. We continue to urge the public to remain calm as we manage the situation."
Ghana's President Nana Akufo-Addo said the military has joined the emergency efforts to help "contain the situation", and "rapid relief" was being sent to residents.
"It is a truly sad, unfortunate and tragic incident," he tweeted.
“At least 59 people were injured, some of whom were in a critical condition”, Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah said.
The vehicle carrying explosives to the Chirano gold mine about 140km (90 miles) from the scene of the blast is said to belong to Arthanns Logistics.
A team of police and army explosion experts have been deployed to the scene to secure the area and avoid a second explosion.
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