Ghana closes mining company after fatal explosion

Following a deadly explosion last week, Ghanaian authorities in Ghana have shut down Maxam Mining Company Limited - the company responsible for manufacturing, storing, and transporting explosive materials for mining operations in the country.

Ghana's Chief Inspector of Mines has also been suspended. 

Investigations are under way, the authorities say, into Thursday's blast near the mining town of Bogoso, that killed at least 14 people and injured dozens of others.

The explosion has raised a lot of questions regarding safety protocols as trucks transport explosive materials on busy roads. 

The National Disaster Management Organisation says more than 40 critically injured people are being treated in hospitals, and more than 500 homes have been destroyed. 

Government and non-governmental organizations have been sending relief items to survivors.

These photos show the site of the blast in the village of Apiatse before, and afterwards:

This article originally appeared on BBC News

Photo: Maxar