Liberia’sPresident George Weah has sent a condolence message to his counterpart in Ghana over Thursday’s deadly explosion that has claimed dozens of lives, with many more feared dead.
The explosion which occurred in Apiate, near the mining city of Bogoso in the western region of the country, has claimed nearly 20 lives, as at Thursday night. Over 50 people were taken injured.
Bogoso is located 300km (180 miles) west of the capital, Accra.
Reports indicate that the explosion occurred after a vehicle transporting mining explosives collided with a bike.
Hundreds of buildings nearby the scene reportedly collapsed as a result of the explosion, with dozens of residents trapped underneath the collapsed structures.
Graphic images and footages posted by local media and witnesses showed dead and injured bodies scattered around on the ground, and homes levelled and destroyed.
Ghana’s president Nana Akufo-Addo described the incident as “a truly sad, unfortunate and tragic” one.
President Weah, according to a news release by the Executive Mansion, called on Liberians to remember their Ghanaian brothers and sisters in their prayers “during this very difficult time for them – which coincides with Liberia’s national tragedy.”
On Thursday the Liberia government confirmed the death of nearly 30 people after a stampede occurred at a crusade when armed robbers attacked worshippers on Wednesday night.
“The Liberian Leader has urged the grieving families to take solace in the Lord, saying the two tragedies, while somber for the West African region, are not insurmountable,” the statement from the Executive Mansion states.
