The management of Koforidua Technical University (KTU) has refuted reports suggesting that a recent gas explosion that claimed the life of one of its students occurred on campus.
According to the university, the tragic incident took place at the student’s family residence and was unrelated to any university facility.
In a statement addressing what it described as “inaccurate reportage,” KTU clarified that the deceased, 17-year-old Miss Rose Asante, was a Level 100 HND Purchasing and Supply student. However, she was not a resident of any university hostel but lived with her family at Angio Town, a suburb of Koforidua.
“The explosion was a domestic accident resulting from a leaking gas cylinder that belonged to a neighbor. Miss Asante, in an attempt to assist, was unfortunately caught in the incident. Her younger sister and the neighbor—both of whom are not students of KTU—also sustained injuries,” the university stated.
KTU further emphasized, “This tragic event did not occur on campus or in any private hostel affiliated with the university, as some reports have erroneously suggested.”
The explosion happened on March 14, and the victims were rushed to the Eastern Regional Hospital for urgent medical care. The university said it provided GH₵10,000 in support of Miss Asante’s treatment. However, despite all efforts, she succumbed to her injuries on March 25.
Following her passing, the university community held a candlelight vigil on March 27 in her honor.
Expressing deep sorrow over the loss, KTU’s management, led by the Vice-Chancellor, faculty, and students, visited the bereaved family to extend their condolences.
“The entire university community is devastated by this heartbreaking incident. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the family during this difficult time of loss and grief,” KTU said.
Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, has extended support to victims of the devastating explosion that rocked Odumase, near Konongo, in the Asante Akyem Central Municipality.
The tragic incident, which claimed three lives and injured several others, also left dozens of homes in ruins.
During a visit to the affected community, Dr. Amoakohene expressed deep concern over the scale of destruction.
“I received briefings last night that there was an explosion here at Odumase. Preliminary information suggests that someone was selling explosives at home, and due to the rainstorm, something triggered it, leading to the explosion,” he explained.
The explosion, which destroyed 30 houses, has displaced many families. In response, the minister assured victims of government intervention and instructed the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) to expedite relief efforts.
“We have instructed NADMO to give us a comprehensive report on the affected households so we can determine how best to intervene,” he noted.
Beyond addressing the immediate aftermath of the explosion, Dr. Amoakohene also turned his attention to another pressing issue in the community—the deteriorating state of a key bridge, which has reportedly been weakened by mining activities.
“I have received complaints about a falling bridge. This looks like a hanging town because a mining tunnel runs through it, and the bridge is giving way. I am thankful to the leadership for closing it, and I have cautioned against the use of motorcycles and tricycles on it,” he stated.
He assured residents that he would alert the Roads Minister and arrange for engineers to assess and repair the structure as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, police investigations into the explosion are ongoing, with reports indicating that those responsible for selling the explosives have fled.
“No arrests have been made yet. I am told that the people operating the shop have absconded, but the police are investigating seriously. We must ensure that such incidents do not happen again,” Dr. Amoakohene emphasized.
Authorities have urged community members to provide any relevant information that could help apprehend those involved in the illegal sale of explosives.
Security agencies have launched a manhunt for individuals linked to a devastating explosion at Odumase, near Konongo, in the Asante Akyem Central Municipality of the Ashanti Region.
The blast, which authorities suspect was triggered by the sale of explosives in a residential area, claimed three lives, left several injured, and destroyed multiple properties.
Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, visited the affected site and described the incident as deeply concerning.
“I received briefings last night that there was an explosion here at Odumase. Preliminary information suggests that someone was selling explosives at home, and due to the rainstorm, something triggered it, leading to the explosion,” he stated.
According to officials, the explosion razed 30 houses, rendering many homeless. In response, Dr. Amoakohene assured victims of the government’s commitment to relief efforts, instructing the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) to assess the extent of the destruction.
“We have instructed NADMO to give us a comprehensive report on the affected households so we can determine how best to intervene,” he added.
Meanwhile, concerns about the safety of a collapsing bridge in the area, reportedly weakened by mining activities, have also come to light. The minister acknowledged the urgency of the matter and commended local authorities for restricting access to the deteriorating structure.
“I have received complaints about a falling bridge. This looks like a hanging town because a mining tunnel runs through it, and the bridge is giving way. I am thankful to the leadership for closing it, and I have cautioned against the use of motorcycles and tricycles on it,” he noted.
He pledged to notify the Minister for Roads and arrange for engineers to assess and address the problem.
Meanwhile, police investigations into the explosion continue, with reports indicating that the operators of the illicit explosives business have fled.
“No arrests have been made yet. I am told that the people operating the shop have absconded, but the police are investigating seriously. We must ensure that such incidents do not happen again,” Dr. Amoakohene emphasized.
Authorities have urged residents to report any information that could aid in apprehending those responsible.
A massive explosion at the Fosu gas station near the Petrosol filling station, close to Nana Bosoma’s palace in Sunyani Asufufu, has led to a destructive fire impacting nearby houses.
The explosion, which occurred earlier today, has created significant alarm among residents in the area.
Reports indicate that personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) were on the scene, actively working to bring the situation under control. The cause of the fire remains unknown at this time.
Fortunately, there have been no reported casualties as a result of the explosion and fire.
Residents in the affected area have been compelled to evacuate due to the highly flammable nature of the situation.
Further details regarding the incident, including the extent of the damage and ongoing efforts to manage the situation, are expected to emerge as the situation develops.
Guards tried to keep reporters away from the place in Kompong Speu province.
Hun Manet wrote on Facebook on Saturday that he was very surprised when he heard about the explosion in Chbar Mon district. It wasn’t clear right away what caused it.
A person who lives in a nearby village told The Associated Press on Sunday that they shook with fear when they heard the blast because they had never heard such a loud explosion before.
Chim Sothea said, “I was repairing my house with some builders when the explosion happened. ” All of a sudden, there was a big boom and it made my house shake. It also broke some tiles on my roof. They tripped but thankfully they didn’t fall into the house.
Pictures from the area showed many buildings in bad shape, some with their roofs missing. Also, soldiers were getting help at a hospital. Other pictures showed houses nearby with holes in their roofs.
Four buildings were destroyed, three were for storing things and one was a place to work. Some military vehicles were also damaged. ColYoueng Sokhon, a soldier at the site, told the army chief Gen. in a short report. Mao Sophan shared something on the internet. He also said that 25 houses of the villagers were damaged. Pictures of the base showed the broken buildings in a big empty space, with no houses nearby.
Another person from the village, who didn’t want to share their name, said they heard a loud noise and saw smoke coming from the army base, so they knew there had been an explosion at the weapons store. Then he quickly ran home from the little store where he sells food and drinks to be safe inside with his wife and two kids.
He said the army quickly blocked the road to the base and the people in the village were scared and looking for a safe place. So, he took his family to his parent’s house, which was farther from the base. When he got back home, he saw that his house was okay, but the other people in the village had broken windows, doors, and roofs.
Cambodia, along with many other countries in the area, has been having really hot weather. The province where the explosion happened had a temperature of 39 degrees Celsius (102 degrees Fahrenheit) on Saturday. High temperatures can’t make ammunition explode, but they can make explosives less stable over time. This means there is a risk that a small explosion could start a fire and make other explosives explode too.
Kiripost, an online news service in English, reported that a villager named Pheng Kimneang said there was a big explosion around 2:30 p. m, and then more smaller explosions for about an hour.
In March 2005, there was a big explosion at a place where weapons were stored in the town of Battambang. The explosion went on for hours, and at least six people died. It scared the people who lived nearby.
A report in 2014 from the group Small Arms Survey in Switzerland said that storing and handling weapons and explosives badly is a big problem all over the world. It also said that between 2013 and 2019, there were over 500 accidents where weapons and explosives exploded unexpectedly.
“One accident at a weapons site can hurt or kill a lot of people and force many to leave their homes,” it said. “The infrastructure can be damaged over a large area, covering many square kilometers. ” Moreover, the economic impact can be very big, causing millions of dollars in losses and affecting people’s lives and the environment for a long time.
Hun Manet expressed sorrow for the soldiers’ families and said the government will pay for their funerals and give money to the families of those who were hurt or killed.
He graduated from the US Military Academy at West Point. Before becoming prime minister last year, he was in charge of the army. He took over as prime minister from his father, Hun Sen, who was the leader of Cambodia for 38 years.
WUS Ambassador is a person who represents the United States government in another country. Patrick Murphy, on the social media site X, said he was sorry for the families of the soldiers hurt in the explosion.
No one has said why there was an explosion at the base in Kompong Speu province on Saturday afternoon. It doesn’t seem like it was on purpose.
Defense Minister Tea Seiha, who was in place of Prime Minister Hun Manet, led the Buddhist funeral ceremony. The event was attended by the victims’ family members and other soldiers. Cambodian flags were on top of the wooden boxes.
A person who lives nearby said to The Associated Press on Sunday that he shook with fear when he heard the big blast because he had never heard such a loud explosion before.
Chim Sothea said, “I was repairing my house with some builders when the explosion happened. ” “All of a sudden, there was a big boom that made my house shake and broke some tiles on my roof. ” “They fell, but they didn’t fall into the house. ”
Pictures showed many buildings that were severely damaged at the base. One building had its roof blown off, and soldiers were being treated in a hospital. Other pictures showed houses nearby that had holes in their roofs.
Another person from the village, who didn’t want to share their name, said the soldiers blocked the road to the base and the villagers were scared and looking for a safe place. He took his family to his parents’ house, which is further away from the base. When he came back home after a few hours, he saw that his house was okay, but other people in the village had broken windows, doors, and roofs.
Cambodia, along with other nearby countries, has been experiencing very hot weather for a long time. The province where the explosion happened had a high temperature of 39 degrees Celsius (102 degrees Fahrenheit) on Saturday. High temperatures can’t make ammunition explode, but they can make explosives less stable over time. This could lead to a small explosion causing a fire and more explosions.
In March 2005, there was a big explosion at a weapons storage in a small town called Battambang. Many shells and bullets were fired, and at least six people died. People in the town were very scared.
A report in 2014 by a group called Small Arms Survey said it is dangerous when weapons and explosives are not stored or handled properly. They said this is a problem all around the world. The report also said that between 1979 and 2013, there were over 500 times when weapons and explosives accidentally exploded at storage sites.
The reconstructed Appiatse township, a project undertaken by the government in partnership with Corporate Ghana, is set to be commissioned and handed over soon, according to the Ministry of Information.
The reconstruction efforts were initiated following a tragic incident on January 20, 2022, where a vehicle carrying mining explosives crashed at Appiatse, resulting in the deaths of about 13 individuals and leaving many residents homeless.
In July 2023, Mr. Thywill Quarshie, the Public Relations Officer of the Appiatse Reconstruction Committee, said the first phase of the reconstruction project, comprising 124 housing units for the victims, was nearing completion.
These units include 41 one-bedroom apartments, 35 two-bedroom apartments, 25 three-bedroom apartments, 15 four-bedroom apartments, 8 five-bedroom apartments, along with one six-bedroom and one seven-bedroom apartment.
Mr. Thywill Quarshie reported that most of the buildings had been roofed, with external works such as electrical, plastering, and painting scheduled to begin soon. Additionally, the drainage system has been completed, and the road network in the area is currently under construction.
The Appiatse Relief Committee received donations totaling GH₵62 million as of August 2023, aimed at facilitating the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the Appiatse township.
An explosion at a nickel plant on Sulawesi island, Indonesia, claimed the lives of at least 13 workers and left dozens injured, with some in critical condition.
The plant, funded by Chinese investment, witnessed the explosion during repair work on a furnace, causing a flammable liquid to ignite and triggering blasts in nearby oxygen tanks.
Indonesia, a leading global nickel producer crucial for electric car batteries and stainless steel, faced subsequent explosions due to the proximity of multiple oxygen tanks.
The fire was eventually extinguished, and the Morowali Industrial Park (IMIP), a Chinese-owned nickel enterprise, has pledged to cover treatment costs for the victims.
The incident, which resulted in serious injuries to nearly half of the foreign workers, underscores the challenges in the nickel industry.
As China intensifies its efforts to develop an affordable electric vehicle sector, its investment in Indonesian nickel plants has surged.
This metal has become increasingly vital to Indonesia’s economy, rich in natural resources. Following the Indonesian government’s 2020 ban on exporting unprocessed ore, there has been a significant influx of foreign investment, leading to a rapid increase in mining activities in the nation’s more isolated areas.
This surge in production, however, has been marred by a series of fatal accidents. Earlier in the year, a Chinese and an Indonesian worker lost their lives at a nickel plant within the same industrial complex during a riot that erupted amidst a worker protest.
In a separate incident a few months prior, a fire at this plant resulted in the death of one worker and injuries to six others.
These repeated incidents have heightened concerns about the safety standards at facilities financed and operated by Chinese firms, raising questions about worker welfare and operational protocols in this rapidly expanding industry.
Security cameras recorded the exact moment when lightning struck a warehouse close to Tashkent International Airport in Uzbekistan very early this morning.
The explosion broke nearby buildings and flats. Many windows were broken. Even the nearby Quruvchilar subway station got a little damage.
The explosion caused car alarms to go off and buildings to shake. A big cloud of smoke and fire illuminated the sky.
16 groups of firefighters went to the place where the fire happened. The ministry in charge of handling emergencies in Uzbekistan did not mention what was in the building. However, Russian state media Tass said there were many electric cars and batteries in the warehouse.
Out of the people who got hurt, 24 were brought to the hospital and 138 got help at the place of the accident and went back home.
The best doctors in Uzbekistan were asked to help injured people, according to the country’s health ministry.
The Uzbek Ministry of Emergencies said that the situation at the warehouse explosion in Tashkent, Uzbekistan is now under control. Emergency workers are still working to completely put out the fire that was caused by the explosion.
A young person, who was 16 or 17 years old, passed away right away, as reported by the Health Ministry. The government department also mentioned that 24 of the injured individuals were taken to hospitals.
The Ministry of Emergency Situations has been at the incident site since the beginning, and other organizations have also been helping. The fire was controlled by 5:02 a. mThe time is 8:00 p. mThe requester has provided incomplete information. Could you please provide the text that needs to be rewritten in simple words.
Earlier on Thursday, many videos on social media showed a really big fire and smoke going up in the sky at night.
The explosion occurred at a warehouse near Tashkent’s airport, as reported by a local news site called Daryo.
According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Uzbekistan, a fire started in a warehouse in the Sergeli district of the city after it was hit by lightning.
The government said that Inter Logistics LLC owned the warehouse, according to Tass.
According to Flightradar24, flights seemed to still leave and arrive at Tashkent’s international airport throughout the night and into Thursday morning local time.
Tashkent is the biggest city in Central Asia, which used to be part of the Soviet Union. It has almost 3 million people living there.
An explosion happened at a place where fuel is stored in Nagorno-Karabakh. Sadly, 20 people have died and many more have been injured, according to the local Armenian officials.
Almost 300 people were taken to hospitals, and many of them were said to be in very serious condition.
The Armenian government said that 19,000 refugees have entered the country from the enclave where local forces gave up to Azerbaijan.
About 120,000 ethnic Armenians live in the area that is being argued about.
It is still not known what caused the big boom on Monday evening near the main city of Khankendi, which Armenians call Stepanakert.
Many people are rushing to leave the area because of a fuel shortage, causing petrol stations to be extremely busy. This area had already been dealing with a lack of fuel for several months.
The only road that links Armenia to the enclave is very congested with many cars and buses. These vehicles are filled with ethnic Armenians who are trying to reach the town of Goris on the other side of the border.
The curvy mountain road from Goris to Armenia’s capital city, Yerevan, has had a lot of traffic even before sunrise.
A group of people from the BBC saw families squeezed inside cars, with the trunks overflowing and lots of things stacked up on roof-racks. People think they are permanently moving out of their homes, so they are trying to fit all of their things into their cars.
In Goris, a tiny town that has the same dusty brown color as the rugged mountains that enclose it, the thin roads are crowded with more cars and more families. Someone came in a car that was barely held together with tape. The car had a lot of damage on the side, with holes from flying pieces and broken windows.
The person who owns the place told BBC that it was attacked by bombs when Azerbaijan quickly started a fight to gain control of the area last week. “But it brought us to this point,” he happily says while being surrounded by little kids. In the middle of the town square, lots of people are standing around not knowing what to do next. Volunteers give people simple food and warm blankets.
People who need to leave their homes because of an emergency are being recorded and sometimes taken to another place by bus. However, not many people have a clear plan or idea of what to do next after reaching this point.
Malina left her husband’s burial place behind in their village. He passed away shortly after the war that lasted for six weeks in 2020, which was the most recent outbreak of violence before this month.
She says he couldn’t handle the pressure. She is watching four grandchildren who are playing close by at the moment. They believe that this trip is not permanent, and they will eventually return home just like they did the last time. Malina doesn’t want to upset them by telling them the truth yet.
Last week, for two days, they stayed together in their cellar because their village was being attacked. After the Karabakh forces gave up, Malina says the community leaders told everyone to go to Armenia, to be safe. The village in the Martakert area of Nagorno-Karabakh is now deserted.
Malina explained that her family decided to leave because, regardless of any promises, they didn’t think they would be secure living under Azerbaijani control.
The Bureau of Public Safety has advocated for the initiation of criminal proceedings against individuals whose actions and negligence played a part in the explosion that took place in Anto-Aboso, located within the Shama District of the Western Region.
This tragic event unfolded on Sunday, September 10, leading to the regrettable loss of four lives and causing numerous others to suffer from various degrees of injuries.
In a conversation with Citi News, Nana Yaw Akwada, the executive director of the Bureau of Public Safety, stressed the vital importance of ensuring accountability through legal channels for those responsible for this unfortunate incident.
“Looking at the extent of destruction and the fact that lives have been lost, we should be looking beyond administrative sanctions of persons whose act of commission or omission may have led to this incident in less than two years after Appiatse.
“Criminal prosecutions must be pressed against such persons at all costs and people must come to the realisation that willful negligence or inaction that leads to fatal workplace incidents is criminal and must be sanctioned as such.”
Nana Yaw Akwada also urged for an unbiased assessment of safety protocols at all mining sites across the country to guarantee the implementation of improved safety standards.
“I will also recommend an immediate independent reassessment to be conducted across all mining sites nationwide with respect to the manufacturing, transportation, storage, and use of explosive materials and I believe that if we take this step, we can certainly make some good strides in today’s occurrences within the mining sector.”
After preliminary investigations, the Minerals Commission in a press statement issued on Monday, September 11, has revealed that the site of the explosion is a subject of an application by a company with the name Sta Addsams Enterprise.
The company, the Commission said, has applied for a Restricted Mining Lease for granite.
The recommendation for the company to be considered for the grant of a formal lease was granted on 20th March 2023.
According to the Minerals Commission, at the time of the explosion, the company had not been issued a lease by the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources.
It is expected that those found culpable will be sanctioned after the completion of a full investigation.
A second explosion in the Western Region was reported on Sunday, September 10, 2023.
Initial accounts of the explosion created a picture of a precarious situation.
And as more accurate information about what had occurred began to emerge, it added weight to the calamity of destructive scope.
However, a statement has been released by the minerals commission below;
MINERALS COMMISSION
PRESS STATEMENT
RE: EXPLOSION AT A QUARRY SITE IN ASSORKO IN THE SHAMA DISTRICT OF THE WESTERN REGION
The Western Regional Head of the Minerals Commission at Takoradi (the “Commission”) was notified by the Assemblyman of the Anto-Abosso area in the Shama District at about 11.50pm on 9th September 2023, regarding an explosion at a quarry site.
A team of Mine Inspectors from the Takoradi Office of the Commission arrived at the site of the explosion at about 6.45 am on 10th September 2023. The area of the explosion is about 1.5 km away from the nearest settlement, Kobenandohkrom. The inspectors were joined by officials from other State institutions comprising NADMO, Environmental Protection Agency, The Ghana Fire Service, Ambulance Service, the Ghana Police Service and officials from the Shama District Assembly to inspect the site.
The Commission, after the preliminary investigations can confirm that the site of the explosion is a subject of an application by a company with the name Sta Addsams Enterprise. The company has applied for a Restricted Mining Lease for granite commonly referred to as a quarry. The recommendation for the company to be considered for the grant of a formal lease was granted on 20th March 2023. At the time of the explosion, the company has not not issued a lease by the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources.
Secondly, the site of the explosion is the residential facilities for the company. This included buildings and containerized structures. The inspectors also found at the site, empty drums believed to have contained diesel, other lubricants, cigarette pieces, oxy-acetylene cylinders were found at the scene.
Additionally, all the facilities including light vehicles and equipment close to the residential structures on site were destroyed and five (5) persons are confirmed dead and some injured persons were sent to various hospitals within Sekondi-Takoradi for treatment.
The administrator of the enterprise informed the inspectors that the company was working at night ostensibly to prevent them from being noticed by the inspectors of the Commission and the local task force comprising the police and members of the sand winners and quarry Association.
A routine monitoring visit by the inspectors from the Takoradi Office to the site revealed that the enterprise was engaged in site cleaning and preparatory works and had conducted run of the machines and equipment on site without the approval of the Commission.
The enterprise was therefore notified by the inspectors that such activities are illegal and was directed to cease any activity on the site until the lease is granted and all other permits and approvals for the storage, transportation and use of any substance to undertake operations are obtained.
In this regard, pending the completion of a full investigation into the cause of the explosion, the enterprise had no lease, approval or permit to undertake any activity or operation at the site.
Consequently, the activity of the enterprise was illegal. The Commission wishes to remind the media and the public that the Inspectorate Division is committed to ensuring that all quarry sites are licensed and all the requisite approvals and permits are obtained before operations are undertaken.
A massive quarry explosion in Western Region‘s Shama district has tragically claimed numerous lives and caused injuries.
As reported by 3news on X, the blast has caused extensive property damage and created significant ground fissures.
Evidently, bloodstains are visible at various blast sites. Promptly, the Ghana Police and Fire Service have arrived at the scene and are collaborating to manage the situation.
More soon
🚨Breaking News: Huge explosion at a quarry in the Shama district of the Western Region leaving many dead and injured.
Early this morning, drones were shot down above one of Moscow‘s main airports, setting up a tremendous explosion.
After the walkout at around three in the morning, some flights were temporarily halted at Domodedovo and Vnukovo airports while others were diverted to St. Petersburg.
A mysterious fire that was burning over 13,000 square feet at a car repair shop several miles from the airport caused emergency personnel to rush to Domodedovo.
Unverified video posted on Russian Telegram channels depicts a blast’s aftermath.
Russia confirms it shot down a drone over Moscow’s Domodedovo airport while there is fire nearby.
The Russian capital is being overtaken by thick black smoke that can be seen pouring into the sky from kilometres away.
Russian social media reports claim that there were at least two explosions heard prior to the fire.
Over Moscow’s central ring road, one drone was shot down, and another was caught in the Kaluga region’s Maloyaroslavsky district.
Sergey Sobyanin, the mayor of Moscow, asserted that the attacks had done no harm.
The military ministry claimed in a statement that no casualties were reported and blamed Ukraine for the attack.
It said that attempts by the Kyiv government to conduct terrorist acts using unmanned aerial vehicles had been thwarted over the area of the Kaluga and Moscow regions, as well as Sevastopol.
“Two UAVs moving towards Moscow were destroyed in the sky by air defence facilities over the territory of Odintsovo district in Moscow region and Maloyaroslavl district of Kaluga region.”
Nine other UAVs were suppressed by electronic warfare tactics and crashed in the Black Sea without completing their mission, while two UAVs close to Sevastopol were destroyed by active air defence systems.
In total, Russia claimed to have shot down 13 Ukrainian drones that were attempting to strike both Moscow and the biggest city in the Russian-occupied Crimea.
This comes after a massive fire and explosion at a defence facility in Sergiyev Posad, close to the city, which was connected to Vladimir Putin’s fleet of Ka-52 strike helicopters and new generation stealth bombers.
Eight people have died in a petrol tanker explosion that happened in the commercial town of Ore, in the state’s Odigbo Local Government Area, according to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ondo State on Monday.
According to the Daily Trust, on Sunday, a fuel tanker carrying 33,000 liters of petroleum crashed as the driver was navigating the Benin-Ore-Lagos Expressway.
Mr. Ezekiel SonAllah, State Sector Commander of the FRSC, briefed journalists on the event and reported that the victims were petrol scoopers who had swooped on the fuel tanker as soon as it fell into a ditch by the roadside.
“The driver and motor boy of the vehicle escaped unhurt, but the eight villagers scooping fuel got burnt in the act. The dead bodies were taken to General Hospital Ore Morge, our men were on the ground,” he stated.
Mr. SonAllah’s provided casualty figure contradicted the accounts of eyewitnesses who observed the petrol tanker explosion. Several witnesses stated that the incident resulted in the death of over 20 people, including three children and a pregnant woman.
On another note, the Ondo State government expressed deep sorrow over the victims of the tragic petrol tanker explosion. In an official statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs. Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, the government conveyed its profound devastation caused by the unfortunate incident.
The statement read in part, “This is a most horrendous way to die. We are shocked and traumatized as we express the depth of our grief for the victims of the explosion. The state would reach out to the victims’ families who are affected by these avoidable deaths. Whatever circumstances that led to this unfortunate incident must be discouraged.
“This is one tragedy too many and it is our joint responsibility to ensure this does not happen again.”
Likewise, Mr. Olatunji Ifabiyi, the representative of Odigbo 1 Constituency, expressed his condolences in response to the incident on Monday, referring to it as an unfortunate event.
He issued a stern warning to those engaged in the dangerous act of scooping fuel from fallen tankers, urging them to desist from such actions to prevent fatal consequences among residents.
Furthermore, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State also described the incident as deeply unfortunate and emotionally moving.
In a statement released by the party’s spokesperson, Alex Kalejaiye, they appealed to all Nigerians to exercise greater caution when dealing with explosive materials, regardless of the temptations they may face.
“Times are hard, no doubt, but we are very certain that the situation will begin to relax very soon. We need to stay safe, and in good health to keep hope alive,” the party said.
In southwestern Nigeria, a fuel truck exploded as locals tried to siphon gasoline out of it, killing at least eight people, according to authorities on Monday.
The truck was involved in an accident on Sunday night that sent it off the road and onto its side in a neighborhood in Ondo state, according to the police.
“Some people went there to scoop fuel, in the process the tanker exploded,” said Ondo state police spokesman Fumilayo Odunlami-Omisanya.
Since a long-standing subsidy was eliminated at the end of May, the price of gasoline has more than tripled, impacting both drivers and residents and small companies who use gasoline generators to generate electricity.
Tife Owolabi reported, MacDonald Dzirutwe wrote, and Miral Fahmy edited.
On July 19, 2023, Johannesburg, the largest city in South Africa, experienced a massive gas explosion that wreaked havoc similar to that of an earthquake. Streets were torn apart, structures were destroyed, and vehicles were thrown into the air by the force of the blast.
According to a BBC report, one person lost their life, and 48 others sustained injuries in the incident that occurred on Wednesday night.
Authorities in the Gauteng province are still investigating the cause of the explosion, but initial suspicions point to a possible rupture of underground gas pipes.
Panyaza Lesufi, the premier of Gauteng province, stated on Thursday that 12 of the injured individuals are currently receiving medical treatment at the hospital. Several streets in Johannesburg have been closed to traffic, and emergency services remain on-site to assess the damage and evacuate people as needed.
Witnesses reported feeling the ground shake and hearing loud bangs just before a section of Breet Street collapsed, creating a vertical split in the road.
The aftermath of the explosion revealed around 20 vehicles lying on the sides of the street, severely damaged by the force of the blast.
A tiny village on the outskirts of Kyiv, Stari Petrivtsi which is about 50 minutes from the city center, has become the most recent location to bear the scars of Russia’s assault on Ukraine.
Houses on both sides of a dirty street have been totally destroyed, rooves blown in, and fences blasted off their posts.
But miraculously, no-one was killed, although four people were injured, according to local authorities.
It’s not yet clear whether the damage was caused by a direct missile attack or whether it was collateral damage from Ukraine’s air defence systems.
People were going about their daily business: a 12-year-old boy was at home alone while his mother was at work. He had the sense to go to the cellar, but he thought in the moment of the blast that he could die, and that everything they have here could be destroyed.
He’s long used to living in fear, but today was the worst he’s experienced.
Approximately 18,000 cattle have died in an explosion and subsequent fire at the South Fork Dairy Farm in Dimmit, Texas, per The New York Times.
Emergency responders arrived at the facility on Monday at around 7 p.m. local time and found the fire engulfed in flames that left a big plume of smoke rising to the sky. One employee of the farm was trapped inside the milking parlor and was recovered by firefighters who took her to a hospital in critical condition. She is still being treated for her injuries as of Thursday.
“The Southfork Dairy Farms in Castro County had one female agricultural worker trapped inside a building after the explosion and fire on Monday,” said Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller in a statement. “She is being treated at UMC hospital in Lubbock. Our prayers and our best hopes go out to her and her loved ones. While devastating, I’m grateful that there were no further injuries to Ag workers or any loss of human life.”
It is estimated that 18,000 or so cattle died in the incident, which would make it the deadliest barn fire for cattle in the history of Texas. “The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and we all want to know what the facts are. There are lessons to be learned and the impact of this fire may influence the immediate area and the industry itself,” said Miller, who noted the cleanup and investigation could take a while. “Once we know the cause and the facts surrounding this tragedy, we will make sure the public is fully informed – so tragedies like this can be avoided in the future.”
While the exact number of dead cattle hasn’t been released, it’s still the largest loss of cattle life across the United States in at least two decades, per the Animal Welfare Institute. The most recent mass death of cattle in Texas was in 2016 when a blizzard took the lives of over 35,000 cows.
An Indian man and his brother have tragically died following an explosion caused by a home theatre system that was gifted to the newly-married couple.
The police have reported that the device was fitted with explosives that detonated upon being plugged in. The groom was killed instantly, while his brother passed away during medical treatment, the BBC reported.
Investigators have claimed that the bomb was sent by the former lover of the bride, who was reportedly upset about her marrying another man. The suspect, identified as Sarju Markam from the neighbouring state of Madhya Pradesh, has been taken into police custody but has yet to make a statement.
The explosion, which occurred on 3 April at the groom’s residence in Kabirdham district, Chhattisgarh, also injured four others, including an 18-month-old child.
The police revealed that Markam, aged 33, was in a relationship with the 29-year-old bride and had demanded that she become his second wife. However, the bride’s family rejected his advances and arranged for her to marry someone else.
The blast was so powerful that it caused the walls and roof of the room to collapse.
A spokesman for the interior ministry controlled by the Talibansays that an explosion outside the airport resulted in numerous casualties.
Multiple people have been hurt in an explosion that occurred near Kabul’s military airport, according to a spokesman for the Taliban-run interior ministry.
“Today morning an explosion took place outside Kabul military airport, due to which a number of our citizens were martyred and injured,” spokesman Abdul Nafi Takor told Reuters news agency, adding that an investigation is underway.
He did not specify the nature or target of the explosion. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the blast.
Local residents said a loud explosion was heard before 8am (03:30 GMT) in the vicinity of the military side of the heavily fortified airport.
They said the area had been sealed off by security forces, and all roads had been closed.
The Taliban authorities claim to have improved security since storming back to power in August 2021 but there have been scores of bomb blasts and attacks, many claimed by the local chapter of the ISIL (ISIS) armed group.
Last month, at least five Chinese nationals were wounded when ISIL attackers stormed a hotel popular with Chinese nationals in Kabul.
Hundreds of people, including members of Afghanistan’s minority communities, have been killed and wounded in attacks since the Taliban returned to power.
After a significant explosion at a Jersey apartment building, one person is dead, and “about a dozen” are still missing.
Following the explosion at Haut du Monton Pier Road in St. Helier, two “walking wounded” have been transported to a hospital by police on the Channel island.
According to police, relatives are being notified.
The fire has been put out, according to the police, but the area around the incident is sealed off and emergency personnel is still “carrying out considerable work.”
The States of Jersey Police received reports of a “huge explosion” at around 4 am on Saturday, according to Robin Smith, the force’s commanding officer.
Robin Smith, chief officer at States of Jersey Police,said the force received reports of a “large explosion” at around 4 am on Saturday.
He said one person had died and two people, whom he described as “walking wounded”, were taken to the hospital.
Mr Smith said: “There are of course a number of other people that are unaccounted for and therefore a search and rescue operation has commenced.”
He said Jersey Fire and Rescue Service were liaising with Hampshire Fire and Rescue to help with the search.
Mr Smith added between 20 and 30 people evacuated from the areahad been taken to St Helier Town Hall.
Officials have revealed that an explosion occurred on Wednesday at Ukraine’s embassy in Madrid, injuring one Ukrainian employee who was handling a letter addressed to the country’s ambassador to Spain.
According to Spain’s foreign ministry, the individual was slightly injured and is being treated at a hospital, while police are investigating.
It was later revealed that the envelope was intended for Kyiv’s ambassador to Spain, Serhil Pohoreltsev.
In response, Ukraine has increased security at all of its embassies.
Oleg Nikolenko, a spokesperson for Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, said the life of the injured employee “is not at risk,” and descsribed the staffer’s position as “commandant.”
Police say it is too early to know whether the explosion took place when the embassy worker tried to open an envelope, or simply move it. Nikolenko said no one else had been injured, and that Kuleba “has issued an urgent instruction to step up security at all Ukrainian embassies abroad” following the incident.
“Whoever is behind this explosion they will not succeed in intimidating Ukrainian diplomats or stopping their daily work to strengthen Ukraine and to counter Russian aggression,” Nikolenko quoted Kuleba as saying.
Spanish Foreign Affairs Minister Jose Manuel Albares spoke to Ambassador Pohoreltsev after the incident, Madrid said. The person injured was a Ukrainian worker, according to the statement.
Spain, a NATO country, has sent military equipment to Ukraine to help its armed forces fight Russia’s invasion.
Onitsha, Anambra State’s popular Ogbo-Ogwu Market has experienced a suspected chemical explosion near the overhead bridge.
It was reported that the explosion occurred on Tuesday afternoon.
Emergency services are currently at the scene.
The explosion which happened on Tuesday afternoon engulfed shops and properties in the market. Four people have been reported dead as at the time of filing this report.
When contacted, the Managing Director of the Anambra State, Engr. Martin Agbili confirmed the fire incident adding that it affected a section of the Ọgbọ Ọgwụ market.
While noting that the cause of the fire is yet to be verified, the Anambra fire chief disclosed that his men and other emergency services are currently at the scene.
Further checks revealed that the explosion led to the collapse of some shops with several people trapped in the resulting rubble.
Two days after the only bridge connecting Russia with the annexed Crimea was broken in an explosion, Russia fired missiles at various Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv.
Here are the latest developments:
Missile strikes have been reported in cities including Kyiv, Lviv, Dnipro, and Zaporizhzhia, in what appears to be the most widespread set of Russian attacks since the early weeks of the war
Russia has partially reopened the bridge linking it to Crimea, which is an important supply route for Russian forces fighting in Ukraine
Ukrainian troops have continued to progress after breaking through Russian defences in the southern Kherson region
In Donetsk, Ukrainian forces are pushing east, having taken the town of Lyman
Ukrainian cities hit in missile strikes
At least 12 Ukrainian cities have been hit in missile strikes two days after a strategically important bridge linking Russia with Crimea was damaged in a blast.
Kyiv has been targeted for the first time in months, but explosions have also been reported in Ternopil and Lviv in the west, which has so far escaped the worst of the war.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky says Russia has targeted energy infrastructure across the country and that energy facilities in Kyiv, Lviv, Dnipro, Vinnytsia, Zaporizhzhia, and Kharkiv are among the places hit.
Ukraine’s military commander says Russia launched 83 missiles in total.
It comes a day after Russian President Vladimir Putinaccused Ukraine’s security services of attacking the Kerch bridge – although Ukrainian officials have not indicated whether their forces were behind the attack.
The 19km (12-mile) bridge, the longest in Europe, is an important supply route for Russian forces fighting in Ukraine.
Russia has used the bridge to move military equipment, ammunition, and personnel from Russia to battlefields in southern Ukraine.
Mr Putin described the blast as an “an act of terrorism aimed at destroying Russia’s critical civilian infrastructure”.
Russian authorities partially reopened the roadway part of the bridge hours after the attack but for light traffic only.
The railway part of the bridge – where oil tankers caught fire – has also reopened.
Ukrainian breakthrough in the south
Ukrainian troops have continued to advance after breaking through Russia’s defences on the west bank of the Dnieper River in Kherson.
They have retaken the village of Dudchany and the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) says Ukrainian sources report that Russian occupation authorities are moving their families from the Kherson region to Crimea.
Ukrainian troops have been attacking bridges, ferries and pontoons in recent weeks, attempting to make Russian positions on the west side of the river unsustainable, and thereby force a withdrawal.
Also in the south, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has called for the demilitarisation of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
Russian and Ukrainian sources have accused each other of shelling close to the plant, which is Europe’s biggest nuclear facility.
Russia’s military took over the power station in early March, but it is still being operated by Ukrainian staff.
Intense fighting in the east
Ukrainian troops took control of the key logistical hub of Lyman in Donetsk more than a week ago and have continued to push further east towards the region of Luhansk.
The ISW says they have “made substantial gains” in the area.
Russian reports suggests their next target may be the city of Kreminna.
Analysts say the loss of Lyman is a major set-back for Russia.
Russian forces have been trying to push forward in Bakhmut, but reports suggest they have been repelled by Ukrainian troops.
The latest fighting follows a major Russian defeat in the east.
Ukraine says it recaptured 6,000 sq km (2,317 sq miles) of territory from Russia in early September, when it forced back Russian units in the Kharkiv region.
Russian troops withdrew from the key towns of Izyum and Kupiansk, saying that the retreat would allow its troops to “regroup”.
Both towns were major logistical hubs for Russian forces in Donbas.
Annexation of four regions
Four regions of Ukraine, that are partially or almost completely occupied byRussiaare being annexed by the Russian Federation.
It follows self-styled referendums in Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, held between 23 and 27 September.
IMAGE SOURCE,MAP SHOWING THE FOUR REGIONS OF UKRAINE – DONETSK,
President Vladimir Putin has said that Russia will use “all the forces and resources” it has to “liberate” the four regions.
In an address to the Russian people, Mr Putin said his country had “various weapons of destruction”, adding: “I’m not bluffing.”
The annexations follow a “partial mobilisation” of about 300,000 Russian reservists.
Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February, but Ukrainian forces retook large areas around Kyiv in early April after Russia abandoned its push towards the capital.
Areas in the west of the country, including Lviv, have seen missile attacks but no attempt by Russian forces to take and occupy ground.
The Russianshave suffered heavy losses since the invasion began and significant quantities of Russian weaponry have also been destroyed or captured.
There are reports of serious injuries after what is believed to have been an explosion at a service station in Ireland.
Ambulance crews, a Coast Guard helicopter, and a Coast Guard team are amongthose responding to a serious incident at the Applegreen service station on the outskirts of Creeslough, Co Donegal.
According to local media, a number of cars have been damaged by falling debris and the main part of the building, which contains apartments, has been largely destroyed.
Councillor John O’Donnell told Sky News: “It’s a very serious incident.
“I know there have been serious injuries, and it’s just a very sad incident.”
Forecourt retailer Applegreen confirmed there was a “serious incident” at one of its dealer-operated locations.
Thomas Pringle, independent TD for Donegal, wrote on Twitter: “I’m deeply saddened hearing the tragic news coming from Creeslough this evening.
“My thoughts are with those affected.
“With sincere appreciation for those who have responded (ed) so quickly.”
Photos on social media showed debris all around the service station, with the apartments behind it appearing to have lost their wallsand roofs.
Residents have been asked to stay away from the area.
Tuesday night,an explosion shook a building in the eastern city of Halle and caused evacuations. According to the police, three people were hospitalized with serious injuries.
According to authorities, burning deodorant spray bottles may have caused an explosion in a public lavatory in Halle, in eastern Germany.
After police found several bottles of deodorant spray at the scene, a spokesperson said: “There is a suspicion that these are tied to the incident.”
Specialists from the city of Magdeburg were on the ground Wednesday to assist Halle police in the investigation.
The explosion seriously injured three people late Tuesday: two girls aged 12 and 13 and a woman aged 51.
Witness to Halle explosion: ‘The walls were really shaking’
The area immediately surrounding the restrooms in Halle’s late-Renaissance Market Palace, a patrician home in the historic city center, was rocked by the blast, which occurred at about 6 p.m local time.
The sight of the building’s rear exterior wall gives evidence of the power of the explosion. The roof above it was torn off its anchors and the wall itself was cleaved away from the rest of the building, though remains standing.
Following the blast, police evacuated buildings within a 100-meter (330-foot) radius, halted all traffic, and searched the area for gas leaks.
After firefighters, emergency services, and police finished their work, they lifted the evacuation, and traffic was allowed to resume.
Halle police: ‘A tragic accident’
In the end, police characterized the incident as “a tragic accident.”
Damage from the explosion caused extensive damage to the rear facade of the building
On Wednesday, businesses near the scene also resumed normal operations. The public restrooms, however, remain closed.
No financial estimate was given for the damage.
Nor was further information given on the state of the three individualswho were hospitalized.
The Appiatse Disaster Victims Association (VOADA) has given the Appiatse Relief Committee three days to address several pressing issues affecting their reimbursement.
The Association in a press statement demanded that the Committeeprovide satisfactory answers to important questions regarding the future of those impacted by the fatal explosion that occurred on January 20.
The statement said, “We are requesting MAXAM Company Ltd, ARTHAANS Logistics and the Committees formed as a matter of urgency to consider a compensation to merit the affected members who as a result of the blast are going through emotional, psychological, physical, mental and financial trauma, making life unbearable.”
Additionally, they requested that a full apology from the company responsible for the incident.
“Natural law demands that after the blast at least MAXAM company should have visited Appiatse to commiserate with us for lives and properties destroyed by their explosives, but till date we have not heard or seen them at Appiatse. Should we consider they do not care? they quizzed.
An explosion tore through a crowded mosque in western Afghanistan on Friday, killing at least 18 people, including a prominent cleric, Taliban officials and a local medic said. At least 21 people were hurt.
The blast went off in the Guzargah Mosque in the western city of Herat during Friday noon prayers, the highlight of the Muslim religious week when places of worship are particularly crowded.
The explosion killed Mujib-ul Rahman Ansari, a prominent cleric who was known across Afghanistan for his criticism of the country’s Western-backed governments over the past two decades. Ansari was seen as close to the Taliban, who seized control over the country a year ago as foreign forces withdrew.
His death was confirmed by the chief Taliban spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid.
Ambulances transported 18 bodies and 21 wounded people from the blast to hospitals in Herat, said Mohammad Daud Mohammadi, an official at the Herat ambulance center,
There was no immediate claim of responsibility for Friday’s blast.
Previous mosque attacks have been claimed by the Islamic State extremist group, which has carried out a series of attacks against religious and ethnic minorities in Afghanistan, as well as Taliban targets.
The Herat mosque draws followers of Sunni Islam, the dominant stream in Afghanistan that is also followed by the Taliban.
In the year since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, Islamic State attacked several mosques in suicide attacks during Friday prayers, with a focus on targeting Shiite Muslims. Islamic State followers are also Sunnis and consider Shiites to be infidels.
According to recent satellite photographs, at least seven Russian warplanes were destroyed on Tuesday after explosions shook and claimed Crimea. According to CNN research, this may have been Moscow’s largest loss of combat aircraft in a single day since World War II.
The destroyed warplanes appear to be Su-24 bombers and Su-30 multirole fighter jets, said Peter Layton, a fellow at the Griffith Asia Institute and a former Australian Air Force pilot, who examined Planet Lab satellite photos showing the Saki Air Base before and after the explosions.
Two more warplanes appear to have been damaged, Layton said. On Wednesday, the Ukrainian armed forces added nine aircraft to the tally of Russian military hardware they say has been destroyed since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began in February.
A satellite image from August 10, after the explosion, shows the charred remains of at least seven aircraft in the earthen berms.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense said it could not determine the cause of the explosions at the air base, which lies 225 kilometers (140 miles) behind the Russian front line, according to the Institute for the Study of War think tank.
The Russian Ministry of Defense said the blasts were caused by aviation ammunition — but did not say how it had been detonated.
Video on social media, verified and geolocated by CNN as being from the air base, shows smoke rising from the base before it is rocked by three large, fiery explosions that send black mushroom clouds into the sky. Two of the explosions happen almost simultaneously and a third occurs shortly thereafter.
The satellite photos also show ​the explosions burned a swath of vegetation around a portion of the air base.
‘Explosive propagation’
Layton said the satellite images point to a deliberate attack, rather than an accident, due to the presence of three large craters.
Whatever caused the craters could have caused other Russian munitions to explode, Layton said.
“If one bomb explodes, it can send high speed, very hot fragments into any adjacent bombs and detonate them. This is called explosive propagation,” Layton said. “In the image of the Russian air base, you can see three explosion sources. These set off adjacent aircraft that it seems had bombs on them. The explosion propagated.”
In the trenches: See Ukrainians holding the line against Russia 02:24
Russian munitions are not engineered to avoid such chain-reaction explosions, Layton added.
He noted that the type of destruction at the air base is reminiscent of what led to the sinking of the Russian Navy cruiser Moskva earlier in the Ukraine war.
“The Moskva also had an internal explosion when warheads in the anti-ship cruise missiles on board self-detonated,” Layton said. “This was the explosive fill burning to an explosion.
“Russian weapons are less safe than Western weapons in terms of the sensitivity of the explosive fill of the warheads. This is at least due to most weapons being old ex-Soviet stocks and so old technology,” he said.
The detonations also caused damage in a nearby town, where windows in some buildings were blown out, according to Russian state news agency TASS. Some high-rise buildings lost power, while shops and a cultural center were damaged, TASS reported.
Russian warplanes
Four helicopters and a four-engine plane appear to have left the air base in the past 24 hours, the satellite images taken before and after the attack appear to show.
Zelensky’s Crimea vow
Since 2014, the Saki Air Base has been home to a Russian naval aviation regiment, part of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, according to the state-run RIA-Novosti news service.
Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014, after Russian President Vladimir Putin sent military forces into what was then an autonomous region of southern Ukraine with strong Russian loyalties.
Thousands of Russian-speaking troops wearing unmarked uniforms poured into the peninsula in early March that year. Two weeks later, Russia completed its annexation of Crimea in a referendum slammed by Ukraine and most of the world as illegitimate.
At least five persons have sustained various degrees of injuries after a fiery explosion at Anaafo, a fishing community in Cape Coast, swept through their homes.
As at 1040 hours, when the GNA arrived at the scene, the Ghana National Fire Service and the Ambulance Service teams were busily working to put out the fire and bring the situation under control.
The fire destroyed a slum and damaged properties running into hundreds of cedis.
Aside that, shops that were close to the area were also affected by the raging fire.
The GNA also saw some people wailing while others were busily searching for their relatives.
Mr Kwamena Esuon, a resident told the GNA that the cause of the fire outbreak was unknown, adding that he together with his colleagues, heard a loud blast while they were fetching premix fuel for their fishing expedition.
“Many of us threw ourselves into the sea just to save our lives, it just exploded and we started running for our livesâ€.
He said some of his colleagues were seriously injured and are battling for their lives.
Fire officials did not immediately comment on the incident.
A furnace explosion at the United Steel Company Limited on Monday, August 24 at the Freezone Enclave in Tema has injured nine persons and destroyed property belonging to MND Metals Company Limited.
The nine injured included; six Ghanaians and three Indians working in the company (United Steel Company); the impact also put workers in the neighboring company at risk.
Mr Mahmoud El Kurdi, Manager, MND Metals Company Limited, told the Ghana News Agency in an interview with the Company after the explosion.
He explained THAT one of the furnaces used by United Steel to melt scrap metals for its production exploded, at about 1810 hours and caused damage to the changing room of their workers among other property.
MND Metals Company Limited is situated just behind United Steel Company Limited.
The Manager said the fumes released from the explosion and that released daily from the company contained carbon, harmful to the health, adding that most of his workers were diagnosed of respiratory infections and some coughed blood.
He said the consistent pollution of the air by United Steel Company Limited had affected his business because most expatriates he brought to work for the company had left due to the unhealthy air quality.
Mr El Kurdi said he approached management of United Steel personally to resolve the inconvenience, but to no avail and he had also written several letters with videos on pen drives holding the evidence of the pollution to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Ministry for Environment Science Technology and Innovation (MESTI).
He said about 200 workers in his company; 50 expatriates and 150 Ghanaians were being exposed daily to the poisonous gases and the company was investing a lot to see that the right thing was done.
“The situation is bad and this had been going on for so long; decline in business, losing staff and our health are all in danger,†he said.
He called on the government and stakeholders to ensure United Steel Company Limited followed laid down guidelines given by EPA to prevent all forms of air pollution in the Free Zone Area to avert future dangers.
Mr Adams Aikens, Foreman, MND Metals Company Limited, said they as workers had also reported the inconvenience to the Kpone Police Station and the Environmental Health Safety Office at Kpone.
He said a worker, George Amoah died out of the air pollution, two years ago adding that his doctor also advised him after a health checkup that his life was at stake due to the poor air quality caused by the pollution from United Steel Company Limited.
Daniel Adraku, 33, folk lift operator of MND Metals Company Limited, said the smoke clouded his vision during work and had to wait for over an hour to continue working which delayed his output.
“One of our guys called John Tetteh is suffering from Asthma as a result of the pollution,†he said.
Mrs Cynthia Asare Bediako, Chief Director of MESTI when contacted said the Ministry had little information about the incident and needed to conduct further investigations.
The Ghana News Agency was unable to gather information from United Steel Company Limited as those contacted were unwilling to volunteer information.
