Konongo Odumasi Fire And Explosion Death Toll Rises To 3 Persons

• The death toll in the fire outbreak at Konongo Odumase Ashanti Region has risen to three persons
• The fire was accompanied by an explosion after a fire broke out at some of the stores selling dynamite used by local miners
• Authorities are investigating the cause while assessing the full extent of the damage and casualties

Three people have been confirmed dead following the fire outbreak and explosion at Konongo Odumase in the Ashanti Region.

The tragic incident has also left many injured, including five firefighters.

According to residents, the fire started in a shop dealing in mining explosives before quickly spreading to nearby buildings. In total, 30 houses and eight shops have been affected.

A statement from the Ghana National Fire Service confirmed the increased death toll after initial reports that only one person had died.

It noted that the three dead were civilians, while an unknown number were injured in the incident.

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The service also said five of its personnel were also injured and have received medical attention.

The fire affected 30 buildings and eight shops, according to the service’s account.

“Upon arrival at 19:13 hours, firefighters encountered an explosion from a shop containing explosives, injuring five crew members and damaging their fire tender.

“The pump operator collapsed, making it impossible to initiate firefighting. Hostile civilians pelted stones at responders, forcing them to withdraw. A backup crew from FK Jersey (Ejisu) was dispatched but did not proceed to the scene due to security concerns.”

Aftermath of Appiatse explosion

Some upset residents from Appiatse threatened to block the use of the homes commissioned for persons displaced by the truck explosion that killed 16 people.

The explosion on January 20, 2022, near the Appiatse community near Bogoso in the Western Region was triggered when a motorcycle crashed into a truck transporting explosives to a gold mine in Bogoso.

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An initial blast drew community members to the scene, only for a second explosion shortly after.

Many people who were witnesses to the inferno started walking towards the accident, probably to help anyone who was injured.

Powerful quarry blast in Afigya Kwabre South

YEN.com.gh reported that a rock blast in Afigya Kwabre South District of the Ashanti Region affected residents in Buoho.

The explosion on Tuesday, November 27, 2024, was reportedly carried out by the KAS Quarry Company.

Residents have said the rock-blasting activities often created panic and fear in their community.

Source: YEN.com.gh