Confirmed reports from the Ministry of Information in connection with the explosion at Apiate indicates that as at 5.p.m on Thursday, January 20th, 2022, 17 persons had died while 59 were injured.
This brings the number of persons known so far, to have been affected by the tragedy to 76.
According to the Ministry, out of the 59 injured persons, 42 are receiving treatment and some are in critical condition.
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In a statement signed by the Minister for Information, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, the Ministry said early reports indicate that several houses and structures in sections of the town were destroyed and plans have been put in place to ensure that stranded community members are catered for in the coming days.
It said upon the instructions of the President of the Republic, a National Emergency Response Mechanism was activated immediately. Personnel from the Police Service, Fire Service, National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Ghana Health Service, National Ambulance Service, the Municipal Authority, and residents have all been involved in providing support.
The Ministry noted that some additional personnel and resources had been dispatched to the community to support the response effort.
It said an alternative route has been created to facilitate the movement of stranded vehicles plying that route.
Meanwhile, the Ministry said all hospitals within the vicinity are being used to treat injured persons, and an evacuation plan has been activated to move those in critical condition to medical facilities in Accra so they can get the needed assistance.
“To forestall a secondary explosion, a joint team of police and military explosion experts have been deployed to examine the situation and put in place the requisite measures,” it stated.
It added that,”We would want to urge the public to remain calm and obtain regular updates from the national emergency response team.”
The Ministry promised to update the public on the matter Friday morning, January 22nd, 2022.
“Government commends the Police Service, Fire Service, National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Ghana Health Service, National Ambulance Service, the Municipal Authority, health professionals in the medical facilities within the vicinity, and local residents for their assistance so far,” it added.
The Government further expressed deep condolences to the families of the deceased and sent best wishes to the injured for their speedy recovery.
“As relief and containment efforts continue, and the situation is brought under considerable control, President Akufo-Addo will visit Appiatse to assess the effectiveness of the response effort,” the Ministry stated.
Ghana| Atinkaonline.com| Porcia Oforiwaa Ofori
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