Friday, 29 March

Lands Ministry probes Appiatse explosion

General News
Minister of Lands and Natural Resources Samuel Abu Jinapor

The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has launched investigations into the circumstances that led to a huge explosion of some explosives that were being transported to a mine at Appiatse, a town between Bogoso and Bawdie in the Western Region.

“The investigation will, among others, help the government to determine whether the regulations covering the transportation of explosives were complied with and also what led to the unfortunate tragedy,” a statement issued by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources on Thursday, 20 January 2022 said.

The ministry launched the investigations through the Inspectorate Division of the Minerals Commission.

The ministry added that the government is determined to assist a “return to a situation of normalcy for the residents” as quickly as practicable.

Meanwhile, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has described the explosion as a “truly sad, unfortunate and tragic incident.”

In a message of condolence to the people of Appiatse on Twitter, President Akufo-Addo said: “The Police, Armed Forces and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) are coordinating efforts to contain the situation, and I have also instructed NADMO to see to it that rapid relief is brought to residents of the town.”

He further assured the people of the government’s support to restore Appiatse back to normalcy.

The “government will spare no effort to ensure a rapid return to a situation of normalcy for residents of Appiatse,” the President said.

At least 17 people have died while 59 have sustained injuries.

The explosion occurred on Thursday, 20 January 2022, when a truck conveying explosive material for a mining company collided with a motorcycle and a third vehicle close to an electronic transformer. 

Apart from the deaths and injuries, the explosion destroyed several properties.

 

 

 

Source: classfmonline.com/Elikem Adiku