3 die, others injured in Aboso explosion

Three people, including the owner of a tailings processing site at Aboso near Tarkwa in the Western Region, have been killed following a powerful explosion that ripped through the facility on Tuesday afternoon.

The deadly blast also left three other people injured, destroyed nearby property and prompted a joint investigation by the Ghana Police Service and the Minerals Commission.

The deceased have been deposited at the Tarkwa Municipal Hospital mortuary for preservation and autopsy, while the injured are receiving medical treatment at the same hospital.

The explosion caused extensive destruction at and around the site, with nearby residential buildings and parked vehicles affected by the impact.

Several houses had their window panes shattered, while six vehicles parked at a nearby washing bay sustained varying degrees of damage from the force of the blast.

Residents in the area were left in shock as the explosion echoed through the community, causing panic and forcing many people to flee to safety.

The Head of the Public Affairs Unit of the Western Central Regional Police Command, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Beatrice Turkson, confirmed the incident and said police officers responded promptly after receiving reports of the explosion.

According to her, officers secured the area immediately upon arrival to facilitate investigations and ensure public safety.

The police are working to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the explosion and determine whether any laws governing the handling and storage of explosives were breached.

Preliminary police investigations indicate that the explosion may have been triggered after workers at the site spotted a python around midday.

According to ASP Turkson, the workers alerted the site owner, identified as Mr. Fletcher, who reportedly arrived carrying a pump-action shotgun to kill the reptile.

Investigators suspect that after a shot was fired, shotgun pellets struck explosive materials believed to have been illegally stored on the premises, setting off the powerful explosion.

Authorities are yet to confirm the exact type and quantity of explosives involved as forensic investigations continue.

ASP Turkson disclosed that the Minerals Commission has been notified of the incident and is collaborating with the Ghana Police Service to determine whether illegal mining explosives were being stored at the facility.

The outcome of the investigation is expected to establish whether regulatory breaches contributed to the tragedy and whether any additional individuals may be held accountable.

Expressing condolences to the bereaved families, ASP Turkson wished those receiving treatment a speedy recovery.

She also reminded the public that the unlawful possession, storage, transportation or sale of explosives constitutes a serious criminal offence with potentially devastating consequences.

The police appealed to residents to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspected illegal storage or handling of explosives to the nearest police station.

According to the Police Service, public cooperation is essential in preventing similar incidents and protecting lives and property in mining communities across the country.