The Ghana National Fire Service has warned the public to stay away from fuel tankers involved in road accidents, particularly those that have overturned, to prevent further tragedies.
The caution follows a deadly fuel tanker explosion at Ntoaso on the Accra–Nsawam Highway in the Eastern Region, which claimed three lives and destroyed properties.
The Suhum Fire Service Public Relations Officer, ADO1 Akonoh Opare Ohene Daniel, stated that the explosion was triggered by residents who attempted to siphon fuel from a capsized tanker.
He urged the public to refrain from such dangerous and illegal acts and allow experts to manage accident scenes at all times.
Three persons have been confirmed dead following the explosion at Ntoaso. Several others who sustained life threatening injuries were rushed to the Nsawam Government Hospital for treatment.
According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred around 5:00 a.m. on Saturday when a fuel tanker travelling toward Kumasi reportedly capsized along the shoulder of the busy highway.
Motorcycle riders and some residents rushed to the scene in an attempt to siphon fuel from the overturned tanker.
The situation, however, escalated when the tanker suddenly caught fire, triggering an explosion that killed two males and one female.
About five vehicles caught in traffic, along with motorcycles believed to belong to the victims, were destroyed in the blaze.
Passengers and bystanders fled the scene as flames engulfed the area.
Personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service, the Ghana Police Service, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), and the National Ambulance Service responded promptly to the emergency.
Several persons who suffered life threatening injuries were rescued and transported to the Nsawam Government Hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment.
The deceased have been deposited at the Suhum Government Hospital morgue.
The Eastern South Regional Police Commander, DCOP George Ohene Bossman Boadi, says the police officers will remain at the scene managing traffic, while Fire Service personnel continue efforts to fully douse the flames.
“The residents in this area were siphoning the fuel, leading to the explosion. Traffic had already built up, and a female motorist who was trapped behind was burnt too.This is wrong. Residents along highways must stop engaging in such illegal activities,” he stated.
Security personnel have reiterated their call for the public to stay away from accident scenes involving fuel tankers and allow emergency responders to handle the situation safely.
