17 killed, 59 injured by explosion in western Ghana

Accra: At least 17 people have been killed while 59 sustained injuries in a huge explosion near a mining town in western Ghana on Friday, officials said. 

As per preliminary reports, a team of police and army explosion experts were deployed to "avoid a second explosion" and secure the scene.

Country’s President Nana Akufo-Addo said that the military had joined emergency efforts to help "contain the situation", and the Ghana’s disaster management agency had been tasked with bringing "rapid relief" to residents.

Out of 59 injured people, 42 are receiving treatment in hospitals or health centres and some are in critical condition, said authorities.

Officials said that initial signs point to "an accident involving a truck transporting explosive materials for a mining company, a motorcycle and a third vehicle" which took place near an electrical transformer in the town of Bogoso.

Images shared by local media showed a large plume of black smoke rising above destroyed buildings and scattered debris.

Moreover, a large crater can also be seen beside a road. Graphic videos showed mutilated bodies of victims. 

Rescue efforts were under way and the area had been cordoned off.

In the meantime, police called on nearby towns to "open up their classrooms, churches etc to accommodate surviving victims".