GHANA: Mining truck explodes in Bogoso following collision, kills dozens

JANUARY 20, 2022

Dozens of people are feared dead after a truck carrying explosives to a gold mine collided with a motorcycle in western Ghana earlier today, authorities said.

In an emergency statement, local police said the “huge explosion” had occurred in Apiate, between Bogoso and the village of Bawdie.

The exact number of casualties has yet to be confirmed but graphic aftermath videos shared by local media and posted below showed multiple bodies and mutilated victims.

500 buildings were also destroyed in the blast, according to Seji Saji Amedonu, deputy director general of the National Disaster Management Organization.

Police called on nearby towns to open up public spaces including classrooms and churches to accommodate surviving victims.

Ghana President Nana Akufo-Addo tweeted he had been informed of the incident and confirmed there had been deaths.

Rescue efforts are underway.