Stone Blasting Accident that Claimed 3 Lives and injured 39 was Unintentional – Ministry

The tragic stone blasting incident at Gomoa Buduburam, linked to the Kasoa to Winneba highway project, has been classified as accidental by the Ministry of Roads and Highways.

On Monday afternoon, the explosion claimed the lives of three individuals—two women and a man—while injuring 39 others.

The blast occurred at Big Apple around 3:30 PM as workers attempted to remove a large hardpan rock, which measured 45 meters deep and 20 meters wide.

Preliminary investigations by the Ministry of Roads and Highways indicate that this unfortunate event was not intentional, according to Nasir Ahmad Yartey, Head of Public Relations for the ministry.

Four of the injured were taken to the 37 Military Hospital in Accra and the Winneba Specialist Trauma Centre for treatment.

Mr. Yartey noted that this was the 21st controlled blast at the site, conducted in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) and local authorities, following proper safety protocols.

In the aftermath of the explosion, some local youth reacted violently, attacking the construction crew and vandalizing their camp.

The Ministry of Roads and Highways urges the community to remain calm, emphasizing that an investigation is underway to determine the full details surrounding the incident.

Eyewitness accounts suggest that the explosion occurred earlier than the scheduled 5 PM blast time, catching residents off guard. Flying debris reportedly struck nearby homes, causing injuries.

Community members speculate that a miscalculation in timing led to this tragic outcome.

The Ministry of Roads and Highways extends its condolences to the victims’ families and is committed to working with the police and relevant organizations to ensure safety and prevent future incidents.