Deaths linked to Hamile explosion rise to three, 10 others injured

The death toll from Tuesday’s explosion involving a tricycle reportedly transporting suspected dynamite at Hamile in the Upper West Region has risen to three, including a Ghanaian Immigration Service (GIS) officer. JoyNews’ Upper West Regional Correspondent, Rafiq Salam, reports that two civilians have died following the incident, bringing the total number of fatalities to three.

Ten other people have also sustained injuries and are receiving medical treatment. The explosion occurred on Tuesday, November 3, after security personnel reportedly pursued a tricycle carrying suspected explosive materials along an unauthorised route. Preliminary information suggests that the occupants of the tricycle failed to stop when they encountered security personnel at a checkpoint, leading to a pursuit that ended in the explosion.

An immigration officer was killed in the incident, while another officer sustained critical injuries. The explosion has heightened tensions in the border community, with residents reportedly gathering at the Ghana Immigration Service checkpoint to demand the withdrawal of immigration personnel. JoyNews’ Rafiq Salam also reports that military personnel have been deployed to the area following the incident.

He reports that the two fatalities were the result of stray bullets from the military personnel, but the immigration officer was killed by the explosion. Meanwhile, the government has imposed an 11-hour curfew on Hamile Township and its surrounding communities in the Lambussie District of the Upper West Region following the incident. Read Also: Gov’t imposes curfew on Hamile amid confusion over dynamite explosion that killed immigration officer