An explosion at shops selling mining explosives in Odumase, near Konongo in the Asante Akyem Central Municipality of the Ashanti Region, has left one person dead and several injured, including firefighters.
The blast occurred at a shop where dynamites and other mining explosives are sold, causing severe destruction to nearby buildings and inflicting serious injuries on multiple people.
The cause of the explosion is still under investigation, but it has been confirmed that a resident who attempted to warn firefighters of the imminent danger lost his life.
Divisional Officer Grade 2 Joe Bryden, the Municipal Fire Commander, recounted:
“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.”
The blast occurred dangerously close to a fuel station, heightening safety concerns in the area.
Authorities are continuing their assessment of the casualties and property damage as investigations proceed.