The bodies of three men, torn apart by the force of a massive explosion, now lie at the Tarkwa Municipal Hospital Mortuary – a grim testament to the catastrophe that unfolded at a tailings site in Aboso on Tuesday, August 4, 2026.
Police pathologists have begun the painstaking process of identification, but only three of the deceased have been positively named so far. The fourth remains unidentified, his body so badly disfigured that even family members have struggled to confirm his identity.
Preliminary investigations and eyewitness accounts indicate that the explosion was triggered by a gunshot fired at a snake. According to reports, workers at the location spotted a large snake and alerted others. A security officer then fired a shot at the reptile.
The bullet tragically struck a stockpile of explosive materials, believed to be dynamite slabs, that were being illegally stored or sold in the vicinity. The impact of the gunshot ignited the explosives, causing a massive blast.
The Western Central Regional Police Command can confirm that the explosion has claimed the lives of three (3) people and left several others with serious injuries.
Three individuals died instantly at the scene. They have been identified as: David Kofi Fletcher, the site/shop owner; Solomon and Baba.
Several other individuals sustained various degrees of injury and are currently receiving medical treatment at nearby hospitals. The bodies of the deceased have been deposited at the Tarkwa Municipal Hospital Mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
Property damage
The explosion caused extensive damage to property in the surrounding area. Several residential buildings had their window panes shattered, and multiple vehicles parked at a nearby washing bay sustained damage to their windscreens and windows.
The Ghana Police Service has commenced a full investigation into the incident and is collaborating with the Minerals Commission to establish the full circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
The Western Central Regional Police Command expresses its deepest condolences to the bereaved families and wishes the injured persons a speedy recovery.
The Command further reminds the public that the unlawful possession, storage, handling, or sale of explosives constitutes a serious offence and poses significant risks to public safety.
Members of the public are urged to report any suspected illegal storage or handling of explosives to the nearest Police Station.
WR: 4 dead, several injured after dynamite explosion in Aboso caused by a shot at a snake
By Abraham Mensah
