Many people are feared dead after a huge explosion near a mining town in western Ghana.

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.

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

A large crater can also be seen beside a road.

In an emergency notice, police said the "huge explosion" had occurred between Bogoso and the village of Bawdie.

Rescue efforts are under way and people have been told to move out of the area.

Police called on nearby towns to "open up their classrooms, churches etc to accommodate surviving victims."

"We continue to urge the public to remain calm as we manage the situation."

Ghana's President Nana Akufo-Addo said the military had joined emergency efforts to help "contain the situation", and the country's disaster management agency had been tasked with bringing "rapid relief" to residents.

"It is a truly sad, unfortunate and tragic incident," he tweeted.

(BBC)