A tragic dynamite explosion occurred on October 14, 2024, during construction work on the Kasoa-Winneba highway, resulting in the deaths of three individuals and injuring 39 others. The incident took place in the Big Apple area of Gomoa Buduburam, where a contractor was blasting rocks as part of the road dualization project.
According to Mathias Anyegre, the administrator of St. Gregory Hospital, three victims were pronounced dead upon arrival, while the injured were rushed to various medical facilities for treatment. Among them, four individuals were referred to the 37 Military Hospital and the Winneba Specialist Trauma Centre due to the severity of their injuries.
Preliminary investigations by the Ministry of Roads and Highways suggest that the blast was accidental, occurring earlier than scheduled at approximately 3:30 PM. Eyewitnesses reported that debris from the explosion flew into nearby homes, causing injuries to residents who were unaware that blasting was taking place.
In the aftermath, local residents expressed their anger and frustration towards the contractors, blaming negligence for the tragic event. As tensions rose, some youth reportedly attacked construction workers and vandalized equipment at the site.
Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation to determine accountability and ensure safety measures are reinforced in future blasting operations. The incident has sparked a renewed discussion about safety protocols in construction activities involving explosives, emphasizing the need for better communication with local communities.