At least 73 people have been killed in an explosion at a petrol station in the Ghanaian capital of Accra, local authorities say.

According to a spokesman for the national fire brigade, many of the dead had been seeking shelter because of torrential rain.

The blast was caused by a fire that erupted in a lorry terminal nearby before spreading to the petrol station and other buildings in Accra.

Firefighters battled the flames while police and soldiers helped to rescue people trapped in the wreckage, according to city mayor Oko Vanderpuije.

It is believed the accident is linked to the heavy downpours, and about a dozen people have been taken to hospital following the blast.
(Sky News)