A powerful explosion at a cluster of mining explosives shops in Odumasi, near Konongo in the Asante Akyem Central Municipality, has left three people dead and several others, including firefighters, injured
The blast was triggered by a fire that started in one of the shops selling dynamite and other explosives used by local miners. The resulting explosion destroyed buildings and caused multiple injuries, with some victims reportedly suffering dismemberment.

Confirming the incident, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) in a statement issued by Ashanti Regional Public Relations Officer, Divisional Officer II Peter Addai, said an unknown number of civilians also sustained injuries, while the injured firefighters have since been treated and discharged from the Asante Akim Central Government Hospital.

The statement said the fire, which broke out on March 5 at 7:03 pm, rapidly spread to nearby structures, affecting 30 buildings and eight shops.

DO III Addai explained that upon the firefighters’ arrival at 7:13 p.m., an explosion from a shop containing explosives injured five crew members and damaged their fire tender.

He confirmed that the pump operator collapsed, preventing them from initiating firefighting efforts.
This resulted in hostile civilians pelting them with stones, which forced them to withdraw. At the same time, a backup crew from FK Jersey (Ejisu) was dispatched but did not proceed to the scene due to security concerns.

He added that investigations are underway to determine the cause of the fire.