Five persons including one Chinese national are reported dead following an explosion at a quarry site in Anto Aboso in the Western Region.

The explosion which also affected surrounding communities in the Shama District has since left many shocked as many people are counting their losses.

According to eyewitnesses, the explosion occurred around 11 p.m. on Saturday, September 9 at the Omni Quarry site.

The cause of the explosion is yet to be established but bodies of some workers who were at the site have been found scattered around.

Some of the bodies include Chinese nationals who are yet to be identified due to the dismembered nature whilst three Ghanaians have been confirmed dead.

Police and officers of the National Fire Service and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) have since reported to the scene.

Explosives not kept satisfactorily

According to reports, the workers kept some explosives they use in their line of work near where they sleep.

This, some sources say, may have exploded on their blind side killing and maiming others.

A preliminary investigation has found that the owner of the quarry was part of those who were reported dead.

Authorities say the company was given a license to mine but not for keeping explosives.

Apeatse explosion still fresh on nation's mind

On January 20, 2022, 500 homes were destroyed after an explosion at Apeatse between Bogoso and Bawdie in the Western Region.

Videos circulating on social media showed the National Fire Service officials conveying what looked like human bodies out of the rubble.

Preliminary investigations conducted by the Police revealed that a vehicle carrying mining explosives which was heading to Chirano mines, collided with a motorcycle resulting in the explosion.

Deputy Director-General of NADMO, Seji Saji Amedonu, told Joy News that 954 persons were directly affected by the explosion that took place in Apeatse near Bogoso in the Western Region on January 20.

About 954 persons affected by Apeatse explosion – NADMO

Speaking on The Probe he explained that among the 954 persons, some were displaced, 14 persons died and 155 people sustained various degrees of injury.

Out of the 155, about 45 persons were critically ill and transferred to bigger hospitals for attention while the others were treated in the region.