The death toll from the explosion that rocked Konongo Odumasi in the Ashanti region on Wednesday has risen to three, a woman and two men.
The devastating explosion at shops dealing in mining explosives at Odumasi, near Konongo in the Asante Akyem Central Municipality initially left one person dead and several others injured, including two firefighters.
According to reports, Thursday morning two more victims have succumbed to their injuries while five others remain in hospital, with some in critical condition.
The fire broke out in stores selling dynamites and other explosives used by local miners, triggering earth-shaking blasts that left in its wake damaged buildings and injuries.
Victims were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.
“I can confirm to you now, that we are currently at the Konongo Government Hospital and we have six people who were brought in, and out of that one died so there are currently five people on admission,” Erastus said.
He added, “Two, their condition is very severe, but they are all responding to treatment.”
He said more than 20 houses were affected, with many suffering extensive damage, including ripped roofs.
“I have been to the scene of the incident, and it’s not pretty at all, a lot of businesses had their properties damaged,” he noted.
The explosion and subsequent inferno occurred about 50 meters away from a fuel station.
The exact cause of the explosion remains unknown, but authorities say the driver of the first fire tender on the scene collapsed after his vehicle was caught in the impact.
Meanwhile, Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, has donated GHC5,000 to each affected household in Odumase, near Konongo in the Asante Akyem Central Municipality, following a devastating explosion that claimed three lives and left several others injured.
Authorities confirmed that, while the current death toll stands at three, several injured victims, including firefighters, have been treated and discharged.
However, five victims remain on admission, with medical officials considering the referral of two critically injured patients to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital for advanced treatment.
During a visit to the scene on March 6, Dr Amoakohene assured the public that investigations are ongoing and that those responsible for the unauthorized sale of explosives will be arrested.
Voice of Dr. Amoakohene
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