The Speaker of Parliament, the Rt Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has entreated Ghanaians to remember the victims of the explosion at Bogoso-Apiate in their prayers.
While offering his condolences to the surviving families, the Speaker said their pain and grief remains unimaginable, he asked that Ghanaians accept the victims who lose their property in their homes.
In a statement, the Speaker said, “I entreat all Ghanaians to remember them in their prayers. I also encourage those in adjourning communities to open their doors to them.”
“And to the rest of Ghanaians to offer whatever support they can by way of food, water, building materials, clothing, and anything essential to ease the grief of our fellow country men and women. Let us, in the proverbial Ghanaian spirit of love and hospitality, help them to rebuild their lives,” he added.
Below is full Statement
STATEMENT ON THE APIATE EXPLOSION BY RT HON ALBAN SUMANA KINGSFORD BAGBIN, SPEAKER OF PARLIAMENT
I received with shock and sadness news of an accident that resulted in the tragic loss of lives, varying degrees of injury and the loss of property in the town of Apiate, near Bogoso in the Western Region.
I offer my condolences and prayers to the victims and their families. Their pain and grief is unimaginable. But “the Lord is near to the broken hearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)
I entreat all Ghanaians to remember them in their prayers. I also encourage those in adjourning communities to open their doors to them. And to the rest of Ghanaians to offer whatever support they can by way of food, water, building materials, clothing, and anything essential to ease the grief of our fellow country men and women. Let us, in the proverbial Ghanaian spirit of love and hospitality, help them to rebuild their lives.
What caused the explosion in Bogoso-Apiate accident?
The driver of the transporting vehicle, upon reaching the area, reportedly collided with a motorcycle.
After stepping out, the driver reportedly saw fire in the vehicle and rushed to alert people in the community to run to safety.
The fire reportedly escalated and the explosives in the vehicle detonated killing many and causing extensive damage.
Police statement reads:
“We urge all to remain calm as we manage this unfortunate situation,” the Police said in a statement.
“Full details will be communicated in due course,” the police statement added.
“The public has been advised to move out of the area to nearby towns for their safety while recovery efforts are underway,” “An appeal is also being made to nearby towns to open up their classrooms, churches etc to accommodate surviving victims.”
The police have confirmed that preliminary investigation has established that a mining explosive vehicle moving from Tarkwa to Chirano mines collided with a motorcycle resulting in the explosion.
Most of the victims have been rescued and are on admission at various hospitals and clinics within the Bogoso Municipality.
Reinforcement of resources and personnel have been dispatched to the area to assist in the handling of the incident.
“We continue to urge the public to remain calm as we manage the situation. Further updates regarding the emergency evacuation of the injured will be communicated in due course,” it added.
Source: expressnewsghana.com