蜜芽传媒

Officials fear the death toll from a huge explosion near a mining town in south-western Ghana will grow much higher than the 17 people accounted for.

Police say a vehicle carrying mining explosives collided with a motorcycle near the town of Bogoso. Images shared by local media showed a large plume of black smoke rising above destroyed buildings and scattered debris as residents call for help.

Graphic videos showed mutilated bodies of victims. A large crater can also be seen beside a road.

Joy FM journalist, Mapitso Sebidi, told Newsday 500 houses have been destroyed.

鈥淭he entire community is gone,鈥� she said.

(Pic: Wreckage after a massive explosion in the rural town of Bogoso, in Ghana; Credit: 蜜芽传媒)