A “huge explosion” in Ghana on Thursday was caused by a collision between a motorcycle and a vehicle carrying explosives to be used in mining, police said. Many people are feared dead after a huge explosion near a mining town in western Ghana.
The incident occurred at Apiate, between Bogoso and Bawdie, in the Western Region of Ghana, according to Ghana Police Services.
“The Police and other emergency service providers have activated a full emergency recovery exercise,” a police statement said. “We urge all to remain calm as we manage this unfortunate situation.”
The police statement urged nearby towns to open classrooms, churches and other buildings to accommodate surviving victims.
Images shared by local media showed a large plume of black smoke rising above destroyed buildings and scattered debris as residents call for help.
Police have not confirmed the number of casualties but graphic videos showed mutilated bodies of victims.
A large crater can also be seen beside a road.
In an emergency notice, police said the “huge explosion” had occurred between Bogoso and the village of Bawdie.
Rescue efforts are under way and people have been told to move out of the area.
Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo said the military had joined emergency efforts to help “contain the situation”, and the country’s disaster management agency had been tasked with bringing “rapid relief” to residents.
“It is a truly sad, unfortunate and tragic incident,” he tweeted.
