At least 17 people have lost their lives and 59 others sustained injuries following a deadly explosion in a rural area of the African nation of Ghana. 

According to reports, a vehicle carrying explosives, used in mining, collided with a motorcycle and blew up in western Ghana. 

The deadly explosion razed hundreds of buildings in the area, forming a massive crater in the ground – the spot where the explosives-laden truck blew up. 

“Preliminary investigation has established that a mining explosive vehicle collided with a motorcycle resulting in the explosion,” local police were quoted as saying. 

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Seji Saji Amedonu, deputy director general of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), said 500 buildings had been destroyed, reported Al Jazeera

The explosion occurred in Apiate between the towns of Bogoso and Bawdie in the country’s western region. 

President of Ghana – Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo said, “It is a truly sad, unfortunate and tragic incident, and I extend, on behalf of government, deep condolences to the families of the deceased, and I wish the injured a speedy recovery.”