Seventeen [17] people have died in an explosion at Apiate, along the Bogoso- Bawdie road in the Western Region.
Preliminary reports indicate that there was an accident involving a truck conveying explosive material for a mining company, a motorcycle, and a third vehicle close to an electricity transformer, leading to the explosion.
The explosion on Thursday afternoon caused destruction to some parts of the town, and resulted in fifty-nine (59) persons being injured and receiving treatment.
The Ministry of Information noted that seventy-six (76) the number of persons known, so far, to have been affected by the tragedy.
Out of the fifty-nine (59) injured persons, forty-two (42) are receiving treatment and some in critical condition.
Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Minister of Information indicated a National Emergency Response Mechanism was activated immediately. Personnel from the Police Service, Fire Service, National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Ghana Health Service, National Ambulance Service, the Municipal Authority, and residents have all been involved in providing support.
He noted that an alternative route has been created to facilitate the movement of stranded vehicles plying that route.
“All hospitals within the vicinity are being used to treat injured persons, and an evacuation plan has been activated to move those in critical condition to medical facilities in Accra so they can get the needed assistance.” The statement noted
According to the Ministry of Information, President Akufo-Addo will visit Appiatse to assess the effectiveness of the response effort.
Statement by Akufo-Addo
Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo writes;
I have just received a briefing on the circumstances that led to an explosion in Apiate 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 Apiate.
