At least fifty-five people were killed and as many injured on Monday February 21, 2022 in the explosion of a stock of dynamite on an artisanal gold mining site in the southwest of Burkina Faso, announced provincial and medical sources.
The accident occurred on Monday afternoon at the Gomgombiro gold panning site (southwest).
“We have 55 bodies on the site”said the High Commissioner of the province of Poni Antoine Marie Sylvanus Doamba, who went to the scene of the tragedy.
At least 55 injured, including women and children
A hospital source also reported 55 dead and said they had identified at least 55 injured, including women and children. “The balance sheet could increase since the injured are still in critical condition and their vital prognosis is seriously engaged”she clarified.
Burkina Faso’s national television, for its part, announced a provisional death toll of 59.
“The victims were killed by an explosion caused by a fire in a storage area for contraband dynamite sticks” who also does “market office on the gold panning site”explained a resident of Gomgombiro.
He described some “horror scenes”uprooted or charred trees and a “large crater” at the scene of the tragedy.
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