Mining shop explosion kills one, injures many

An explosion at Odumase, near Konongo, in the Ashanti Region has killed one person and injured several others.

The explosion which occurred in a shop that sells explosives, such as dynamites, used by local miners in the area, was reportedly triggered by a fire outbreak.

The powerful blast affected several shops and buildings in the vicinity leaving multiple people with severe injuries.

According to reports, some victims reportedly had parts of their bodies dismembered.

Some firefighters from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) who were deployed to contain the fire also suffered injuries.

Divisional Officer Grade 2 Joe Bryden, the Asante Akyem Central Municipal Fire Commander, confirming the incident said that a resident who tried to warn firefighters to move away from danger unfortunately died in the process.

“He was trying to warn the firefighters to back off, but before he could escape, the explosion occurred. He was severely injured, and I’ve been told he has passed,” he said.

Meanwhile, authorities have launched an investigation into the incident as they continue to assess the full extent of the damage.