Four people have been confirmed dead and several others injured following an explosion involving suspected explosives at Aboso in the Prestea Huni Valley Municipality of the Western Region.
The explosion occurred on Tuesday, August 4, sending shockwaves through the community and triggering panic among residents.
An eyewitness said many people initially believed an earthquake had struck after hearing a loud blast.
“We heard a loud sound, which many of us thought was an earthquake. We later found out that a man who is known to be dealing in explosives had gone to hide some of these explosives around a gas station in Breman,” the eyewitness said.
According to the eyewitness, workers believed to be linked to the owner of the explosives were working nearby when they spotted a snake and attempted to shoot it. The bullet allegedly missed the snake and struck the explosives, triggering the deadly blast.
“He fired the gun aimed at the snake, but it ended up hitting the explosives that were hidden and ended up exploding, killing many of the people who were around,” the eyewitness recounted.
The explosion claimed four lives and left several others with injuries, while frightened residents fled the area in search of safety.
Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene to rescue victims, transport the injured for treatment and secure the affected area.
Authorities are yet to officially confirm the cause of the explosion or the circumstances under which the suspected explosives were stored. Investigations are underway to establish the facts surrounding the incident.
