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A huge explosion has rocked the mining town of Bogoso in western Ghana, police say.

Images shared on social media showed a large plume of black smoke rising above destroyed buildings and scattered debris as residents call for help.

Police have not confirmed the number of casualties but graphic videos showed mutilated bodies of victims.

What caused the blast is unclear, but Metro TV said it had involved a vehicle carrying explosive chemicals.

Police said the "huge explosion" had occurred between Bogoso and the village of Bawdie.

Emergency services had started a "full emergency recovery exercise", the police said.

"We urge all to remain calm as we manage this unfortunate situation."

Emergency Public Notice!
A huge explosion occurred this afternoon, Thursday, January 20, 2022, at Apiate between Bogoso and Bawdie in the Western Region. Read more from the link below.https://t.co/iQuZHMQOr3 pic.twitter.com/F9Jo9zRcf7

— Ghana Police Service (@GhPoliceService) January 20, 2022

VIEWER DISCRETION: Gory images.

The Bogoso gas explosion was huge. So massive that it crumbled tarred road.
Thread. pic.twitter.com/7ziQLIb1zU

— RAPHAEL O (@Rafurl) January 20, 2022

Breaking: Many feared dead from Bogoso explosion pic.twitter.com/2cjs65F5ye

— AfiaOfosua (@ofosua_afia) January 20, 2022

Just In:

VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED-

Scores of people feared dead after a huge explosion in BOGOSO. Ghana Police Reports. pic.twitter.com/KB3LY1x4nG

— Y107.9FM Ghana (@Y1079FM) January 20, 2022

W/R: Scores feared dead in gas explosion at Bogoso#3NewsGH pic.twitter.com/Dcu04gI247

— #TV3GH (@tv3_ghana) January 20, 2022

Dozens are feared dead after a massive explosion at Bogoso-Apeatse in the Western Region.

The explosion was caused by a collision between a motorbike and a truck carrying explosives.#CitiNewsroom pic.twitter.com/dIfzJIxnis

— CitiNewsroom (@Citi973) January 20, 2022

Police confirm accident involving vehicle transporting mining explosives caused deadly explosion near Bogosohttps://t.co/396BbdlLFk

— Michael Oti Adjei (@OtiAdjei) January 20, 2022