At least four people are feared dead, while several others are in critical condition, following an explosion at an illegal mining (galamsey) site at Abosso in the Prestea Huni-Valley Municipality of the Western Region.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, August 4, 2026.
According to reports, workers at the illegal mining site attempted to kill a snake by firing a gun at it. However, the bullet reportedly ricocheted and struck explosives believed to have been used by the miners, triggering a powerful explosion that killed several people and left others with life-threatening injuries.
Although the exact number of casualties is yet to be officially confirmed, multiple reports indicate that at least four people are feared dead, with several others receiving treatment for critical injuries.
A video from the scene obtained by The1957News shows the extent of the devastation, with dismembered bodies scattered across the mining site and deep cracks visible in the ground, underscoring the force of the explosion.
Authorities are expected to determine the source of the explosives and whether they were being stored or handled in accordance with safety regulations.
As of the time of filing this report, the Ghana Police Service and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) had not issued an official statement on the explosion.