Mine explosion destroys Apeatse community in Ghana
Mine explosives being transported to Chirano Mines in the western region of Ghana exploded after a collision with a motorcycle in Apeatse, a village near Bogoso. This sad incident occurred on Thursday, January 21, 2022.
According to eye witnesses, after the collision, the driver of the truck and his conductor got down and warned the people closer to the scene to run away because the truck contains dynamite. However, many remained at the scene to record with their phones. After a couple of minutes the truck exploded leaving dozens dead and over 500 structures destroyed.
A statement released by the Ministry of Information has confirmed that some 59 injured persons were rescued, bringing to 76 the number of persons known to have been affected so far.
“As at 17:00 hours, a total of seventeen (17) people have, sadly, been confirmed dead, and 59 injured persons had been rescued, bringing to 76 the number of persons known, so far, to have been affected by the tragedy.”
The statement also noted that out of the 59 injured persons, 42 are receiving treatment and some are in critical condition in the nearby hospitals .
Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Àddo, President of Ghana, has expressed condolences to the people of Apeatse. He said government will provide needed support and ensure that rapid relief is brought to the people of Apeatse.
“I have just received a briefing on the circumstances that led to an explosion in Apeatse near Bogoso, in the Western Region, resulting in the loss of lives and the destruction of properties belonging to residents
“It is a truly sad, unfortunate and tragic incident, and I extend, on behalf of Government, deep condolences to the families of the deceased, and I wish the injured a speedy recovery.
“The Police, Armed Forces and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) are co-ordinating efforts to contain the situation, and I have also instructed NADMO to see to it that rapid relief is brought to residents of the town.
“Government will spare no effort to ensure a rapid return to a situation of normalcy for residents of Apeatse.” said Nana Akufo-Addo
