The Western Central Regional Police Command has launched investigation into the deadly explosion at a tailings site in Aboso, near Tarkwa, that claimed three lives and left three others injured.
The blast, which occurred around midday on Tuesday, August 4, has raised fresh concerns over the suspected illegal storage and handling of explosives in mining communities.
According to preliminary police investigations, workers at the site spotted a python and alerted the site owner, David Kofi Fletcher. Police say Mr. Fletcher later arrived with a pump-action shotgun to kill the snake.
Investigators suspect that after he fired a shot, the pellets struck explosive materials believed to have been illegally stored at the site, triggering a powerful explosion.
The blast killed Mr. Fletcher and two other men identified only as Solomon and Baba. Three other people sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment at the hospital. The bodies of the deceased have been deposited at the Tarkwa Municipal Hospital Mortuary pending autopsy.
Beyond the loss of life, the explosion caused significant damage to nearby properties. Window panes of several houses were shattered by the force of the blast, while six vehicles parked at a nearby washing bay had their windscreens and side windows smashed.
Police officers were quickly dispatched to the scene after the incident was reported and immediately began investigations to determine how the suspected explosives ended up at the site and whether any laws governing their possession and storage were violated.
The Minerals Commission has since joined the investigation and is working with the Police to establish the full circumstances surrounding the explosion.
In a statement, the Western Central Regional Police Command expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
The Police also used the opportunity to caution the public against the unlawful possession, storage, handling or sale of explosives, describing such practices as a serious threat to public safety. Residents have been urged to report any suspected illegal storage or handling of explosives to the nearest police station as investigations continue.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
