17 persons reportedly lost their lives, while 59 people were injured in a small town in Western Ghana, Kwadwo Bempah, on Thursday in a blast after a motor cycle collided with a vehicle supposedly carrying explosives.
Following the incidence, CNN reports that nearly every building in the area had collapsed trapping people and animals under the rubble.
Isaac Dasmani, the municipal chief executive for the Prestea Huni-Valley Municipal Assembly, told local media that most of the victims have been rescued and admitted to various hospitals and clinics.
“The police and other emergency service providers have activated a full emergency recovery exercise,” a police statement said. “We urge all to remain calm as we manage this unfortunate situation.”
“The police have taken charge of the situation providing security to enable the emergency workers including the Ghana National Fire Service, NADMO and the Ambulance Service to manage the situation,” another statement read.
“The public has been advised to move out of the area to nearby towns for their safety while recovery efforts are underway,” it added.
The police have instructed nearby towns to open classrooms, churches and other buildings to accommodate surviving victims.
Apiate is a small and residential, with a population of no more than 10,000. “Most of the people are farmers and miners.