A gas station in Ghana’s capital Accra exploded on Saturday evening, sending a giant fireball high into the sky above the city as frightened residents fled the scene, a Reuters witness said.
At least six fire trucks and several ambulances responded to the blast at the city’s Atomic Junction near the University of Ghana. It was not immediately clear if there were casualties.
The explosion at around 730pm local time (19:30 GMT) began at a station that sells liquefied natural gas and spread to a petrol station across the street, the witness said.
“Unfortunately there are some fatalities and we are working to have the numbers,” Deputy Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah told a local radio station. “There are quite a number also injured.”
He said the initial blaze was largely under control and that about 200 police officers had deployed to the scene.
Frightened residents ran from the explosion, which sent a giant fireball high into the sky above the city, and at least six fire trucks and several ambulances were deployed to the scene.
Images posted on social media purported to show a giant fireball high into the sky above the city, with residents warning of a “huge explosion” and “raging fire”.
Another explosion. Same place. Atomic Junction. PLEASE STAY AWAY. I felt the heat from 3 Kilometers away. It’s crazy!!!! pic.twitter.com/8ZueUKGFb4
— Mr. Reagan (@ronnieamofa) 7 October 2017
We’ve evacuated our houses!!! Everyone has. Huge explosion and raging fire. Unbelievable. Madina.
— M.anifest (@manifestive) 7 October 2017
Don’t pass through atomic Junction, Legon Ghana. There’s a gas explosion happening right now. Tell a friend.
— Chris Dare (@Dexios1) 7 October 2017
Explosion is huuuge. shook my house. Pray for the people who were around those fuel stations.
— Daixy (@D41XY) 7 October 2017
Explosion is huuuge. shook my house. Pray for the people who were around those fuel stations.
— Daixy (@D41XY) 7 October 2017