By John Ikani
At least 17 people have been killed and nearly 60 injured in an explosion that devastated part of a town in western Ghana, after a truck carrying explosives collided with a motorcycle in Appiatse between Bogoso and the village of Bawdie.
Videos posted on local media showed a large, smouldering blast site in which buildings had been reduced to piles of wood, brick and twisted metal.
The graphic videos also showed mutilated bodies of victims. A large crater can also be seen beside a road.
A regional emergency official told local media he had seen 10 dead bodies.
At least 59 people were injured, some of whom were in a critical condition, Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah said.
Authorities said most of the victims have been rescued and are at hospitals and clinics within the Bogoso municipality.
About 500 houses were affected – some of which were completely destroyed, Sedzi Sadzi Amedonu from the National Disaster Management Organization told the AFP news agency.
“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.
Nearby towns have been asked to open up public spaces including classrooms and churches to survivors, the police said.
President Nana Akufo-Addo said the explosion had resulted “in the loss of lives,” without giving further details.
Police were on the scene along with fire and ambulance services, he added.
“It is a truly sad, unfortunate and tragic incident, and I extend, on behalf of the Government, deep condolences to the families of the deceased, and I wish the injured a speedy recovery,” Akufo-Addo tweeted.
The President went on to note that 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.
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