TIG Post

Tag: Fuel tanker

  • Over 15 vehicles reduced to ashes after fuel tanker crashed in Kumasi

    Over 15 vehicles reduced to ashes after fuel tanker crashed in Kumasi

    Over fifteen (15) vehicles have been reduced to ashes after a fuel tanker carrying 54,000 litres of petrol crashed into a garage at Ridge, near Plux 2 Pub, in the Kumasi Metropolis of the Ashanti Region. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, April 16, has left the garage owner counting his losses. 

    In March, Nearby houses around Potsin Junction on the Kasoa–Winneba Highway were thrown into turmoil after a fuel tanker overturned and exploded on Tuesday, March 17. The tanker reportedly fell on its side, triggering a fire.

    Last month, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) confirmed that the fire outbreak on the Accra-Nsawam Highway near Okanta in the early hours of Saturday, February 14 claimed the lives of six people and injured seven others.

    The deceased persons include, three (3) victims including two males and one female.

    According to the Service a total of fifteen (15) casualties were recorded following the incident, comprising eleven (11) males and four (4) females.

    In a press statement the Ghana National Fire Service added that “A total of 15 casualties were recorded (11 males and 4 females). Three (3) victims (two males, one female) tragically died at the scene, and their badly charred bodies were handed over to the Police for preservation and further investigation”.

    In the early hours of Saturday, February 14, a fuel tanker explosion destroyed multiple vehicles along the Nsawam-Accra highway, causing heavy traffic congestion on the busy stretch.

    Preliminary reports indicate that the explosion occurred after the tanker was involved in a collision, which caused the vehicle to catch fire.

    Thick black smoke was seen rising from the scene, sparking fear among motorists and residents in nearby communities.

    Personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service responded promptly and are working to bring the blaze under control and prevent it from spreading to other vehicles and properties.

    Emergency responders have since cordoned off the affected section of the road as firefighting operations continue.No casualties have been confirmed so far.

    However, emergency teams are still assessing the situation and searching the area to ensure that no victims are trapped.

    The incident has caused significant traffic disruption along the Nsawam-Accra route, which serves as a major link between the Eastern Region and Accra.

    Motorists have been advised to exercise caution when approaching the area and to use alternative routes while firefighting and vehicle recovery operations continue. Police personnel are also at the scene managing traffic and ensuring the safety of road users.

    Meanwhile, Eastern South Regional Police Commander, DCOP George Ohene Bossman Boadi, has warned the public against stealing fuel from tankers involved in road accidents.

    The warning comes after a fatal fuel tanker explosion was reported at Ntoaso on the Accra–Nsawam Highway in the Eastern Region, which killed three people and damaged property.

    According to a report by 3News.com, Suhum Fire Service Public Relations Officer ADO1 Akonoh Opare Ohene Daniel explained that the blast occurred when residents tried to steal fuel from the overturned tanker.

    “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.

    He therefore urged the public to refrain from such dangerous and illegal acts and allow experts to manage accident scenes at all times.

    The 3News.com report added that Eyewitnesses revealed that the incident happened around 5:00 a.m. on Saturday, when a fuel tanker heading toward Kumasi reportedly overturned along the shoulder of the busy highway.

    Several residents and motorcycle riders rushed to the scene to steal fuel from the overturned vehicle.

    The situation quickly turned deadly when the tanker ignited, causing an explosion that claimed the lives of two men and one woman.

    The blast also destroyed around five vehicles caught in traffic, including motorcycles believed to belong to the victims. Passengers and bystanders fled as flames spread across the area.

    Personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service, Ghana Police Service, National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), and National Ambulance Service responded swiftly.

    Several individuals who sustained life-threatening injuries were rescued and taken to Nsawam Government Hospital, where they are receiving treatment. The bodies of the deceased have been taken to the Suhum Government Hospital morgue.

    Eastern South Regional Police Commander DCOP George Ohene Bossman Boadi stated that police officers would remain at the scene to manage traffic while Fire Service personnel continue efforts to extinguish the flames.

  • Fuel tanker fire incident contained by GNFS in Grupe

    Fuel tanker fire incident contained by GNFS in Grupe

    In a rapid response effort, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) successfully contained a fuel tanker blaze in Grupe, Savannah Region, on Saturday, October 26, 2024.

    Firefighters from the Sawla Fire Station, led by Assistant Station Officer Mbemah Jacob, were dispatched at 10:07 AM to address the emergency. Upon arrival, the crew found the tanker (registration AS 9603-22) engulfed in flames, with the head compartment detached from the scene.

    Swift action by the firefighting team prevented any injuries and minimized the risk to the surrounding area. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation as authorities work to determine the events leading up to the incident.

  • DAF fuel tanker overturns at Odorkor Tarrazo

    DAF fuel tanker overturns at Odorkor Tarrazo

    On Monday, firefighters from the Dansoman Fire Station swiftly responded to an emergency diesel spill at Odorkor Tarrazo, near the Pacific filling station in Accra, after a DAF fuel tanker with registration number GR-7764-P overturned.

    Upon arrival, the crew found diesel leaking from the damaged tanker.

    Utilizing foam concentrate, they successfully prevented any sparks and managed the spillage.

    Although the tanker sustained partial damage, a significant portion of the fuel was salvaged and transferred to another tank.

    Preliminary investigations revealed that the incident occurred due to brake failure while the tanker was attempting to climb a steep hill, causing it to reverse into a gutter. Fortunately, no casualties were reported.

  • Fuel tanker overturns, spills content on Cape Coast-Takoradi Highway

    Fuel tanker overturns, spills content on Cape Coast-Takoradi Highway

    A fuel tanker on Sunday evening, July 28, overturned on the Cape Coast-Takoradi highway, approximately 100 meters before the UCC east gate, resulting in a fuel spill across the roadway.

    The cause of the tanker’s pod tipping over remains unknown.

    The spilled fuel rendered the affected section of the highway slippery, endangering both pedestrians and motorists.

    Some individuals were observed risking their safety by collecting the spilled fuel in containers.

    Emergency services swiftly arrived at the scene.

    Personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) and the Ghana Police Service were present to avert any potential disasters.

    Police redirected traffic away from the spill area to prevent additional accidents.

  • Fuel tanker from Burkina Faso overturns on Kintampo-Kumasi/Accra Highway

    Fuel tanker from Burkina Faso overturns on Kintampo-Kumasi/Accra Highway

    A fuel tanker from Burkina Faso has overturned on the Kintampo-Kumasi/Accra highway, disrupting traffic since Friday, July 12, 2024.

    The accident occurred following a collision with a sedan, resulting in severe injuries to both drivers—the tanker driver losing an arm and the sedan driver losing both legs.

    The blockage at FulaniKrom has stranded hundreds of passengers in their vehicles, with concerns mounting over the risk of a fire or explosion.

    Despite the alarming situation, witnesses report that no visible efforts have been made by authorities to clear the tanker and restore traffic flow, exacerbating fears among those trapped at the scene.

    Passengers are urgently appealing for prompt intervention from relevant agencies to ensure their safety and alleviate the ongoing crisis on the highway.

    “We’ve been stuck here since Friday afternoon, with others saying they got here at 10 am. No food, no water, and as we speak right now at 1:40 am Saturday, there’s no solution yet,” said one passenger.

    “We’re told they need permission from the Burkina Faso authorities to discharge the fuel and reposition the tanker. But what if it explodes?” another passenger was questioned.

    According to another passenger who spoke on condition of anonymity, a fire service officer revealed that they have been keeping the temperature of the tanker under control since 11 am on Friday.

    The fireman also mentioned that all authorities have refused responsibility until the tanker is fully offloaded.

  • Fuel tanker catches fire on Kumasi-Accra highway

    Fuel tanker catches fire on Kumasi-Accra highway

    A fuel tanker exploded on the Kumasi-Accra Highway on Monday, April 29, prompting a swift response from firefighters.

    Under the leadership of STNO II Darwah Prince Ofobi, firefighters from Suhum Fire Station quickly arrived at the scene, where a Man Diesel fuel tanker, registered under GS 5343-18, was engulfed in flames.

    Upon receiving a distress call, the firefighters acted promptly, managing to bring the situation under control within minutes.

    The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) reported on its Facebook page that there were no injuries resulting from the incident. However, the cause of the explosion is currently being investigated.

    Despite significant damage to the tanker’s head and its contents, the timely intervention of the firefighting crew prevented a catastrophic explosion, thereby saving the entire bulk and its contents.

    “Despite extensive damage to the tanker’s head and its contents, the quick action of the crew prevented a catastrophic explosion of the tanker truck saving the entire bulk and its contents. The swift response of the crew, showcased their dedication and bravery in the face of danger.”


    The GNFS commended the crew for their dedication and bravery in the face of danger.

    Read below the post by GNFS on Facebook

    E/R: SUHUM FIREFIGHTERS QUELL TANKER EXPLOSION OFF THE KUMASI-ACCRA HIGHWAY

    Responding to a distress fire call on the Accra-Kumasi Highway, firefighters from Suhum Fire Station, led by STNO II Darwah Prince Ofobi, averted a potential disaster involving a blazing Man Diesel Fuel Tanker with registration number GS 5343-18.

    Arriving promptly at the scene, the firefighters battled the flames, bringing the situation under control within minutes and extinguishing the fire entirely shortly after. The cause of fire remains under investigation as no injuries were recorded.

    Despite extensive damage to the tanker’s head and its contents, the quick action of the crew prevented a catastrophic explosion of the tanker truck saving the entire bulk and its contents.

    The swift response of the crew, showcased their dedication and bravery in the face of danger.
    Filed by the PRO, Eastern Region (Monday, April 29, 2024)

  • Suhum Firefighters contain tanker explosion on Kumasi-Accra Highway

    Suhum Firefighters contain tanker explosion on Kumasi-Accra Highway

    Firefighters from Suhum Fire Station, under the leadership of STNO II Darwah Prince Ofobi, successfully averted a potential disaster on Monday, April 29, 2024, on the Accra-Kumasi Highway.

    Responding to a distress call, they encountered a blazing Man Diesel Fuel Tanker with registration number GS 5343-18.

    The team acted swiftly upon arrival, battling the flames with efficiency. Within minutes, they brought the situation under control and extinguished the fire completely.

    Despite the extensive damage to the tanker’s head and its contents, there were no recorded injuries.

    The cause of the fire remains under investigation. However, the prompt and courageous response of the firefighters prevented a catastrophic explosion of the tanker truck, saving both the vehicle and its contents.

  • Ayensukrom: Fuel Tanker catches fire

    Ayensukrom: Fuel Tanker catches fire

    On Friday, October 6, 2023, a fuel tanker experienced a fire incident in Ayensukrom No.2, a community near Bogoso in the Prestea Huni-Valley Municipality of the Western Region.

    The occurrence transpired around 9:45 AM, as reported by Francis Abeiku Yankah, the Director of the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO).

    According to Yankah, the fire initiated when the tanker’s dashboard caught fire following an impact with a speed ramp. Fortunately, the tanker’s driver escaped unscathed and promptly alerted residents in the nearby town to take refuge in a nearby village.

    The driver safely parked the tanker, which was transporting diesel. Local residents joined efforts, offering water to help extinguish the fire before firefighting personnel arrived on the scene.

    Firefighters succeeded in dousing the flames after approximately two hours, although the incident had already caused substantial damage to the tanker.

    Thankfully, there were no reported injuries resulting from the incident. Nevertheless, the fire caused significant disruptions to the local traffic flow.

    As a result, the road remained closed for several hours while firefighting teams worked diligently to extinguish the fire and address the aftermath of the incident.

  • Gomoa Okyereko: 16 confirmed dead in gory road crash

    Gomoa Okyereko: 16 confirmed dead in gory road crash

    More than 16 individuals have lost their lives in a head-on collision between a Youtong bus and a fuel tanker at Gomoa Okyereko.

    The cause of the accident is not readily known, but the rescue team from the Ghana National Fire Service is at the scene trying to rescue the mate of the tanker trapped in the vehicle.

    Reports indicate that the bus was traveling from Abidjan to Buduburam while the tanker was filled with petrol, traveling from Accra heading towards Takoradi.

    The Ghana Ambulance Service and the Police Service are also on-site, providing support and assistance alongside the GNFS.

  • Motorcyclist dies in crash on Sofoline-Abuakwa highway

    A motorcyclist believed to be in his late thirties lost his life in an accident involving a fuel tanker on the Sofoline-Abuakwa highway in the Ashanti Region on Thursday.

    According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred after the deceased who was riding a motorbike got trapped under the fuel tanker while using the road and was later run over by the vehicle, thereby killing him instantly.

    Eyewitnesses say, although the driver of the vehicle stopped to observe the happening, he later allegedly fled the scene after realizing that some youth were approaching his direction with different weapons to attack him.

    “What happened was that my vehicle was faulty, so I was sitting down thinking about how to get it fixed. That was when I saw the fuel tanker and the motorbike approaching. All of a sudden, I saw the motor rider trapped under the tanker truck, and we just saw that the tanker truck had run over the man and crushed his head.”

    “The tanker driver drove ahead to park at the traffic light area. It was then that some of the boys around started rushing towards the tanker driver with canes and other weapons. So, fearing for his life, the tanker driver ended up fleeing the scene. As for the deceased, he died instantly when we rushed to check on him,” an eyewitness, Kofi Yeboah, said.

    The body of the deceased who is yet to be identified has been deposited at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) pending an autopsy.

     

  • SHS graduate remanded for stealing fuel from tanker

    A 24-year-old Senior High School (SHS) graduate, Isaac Gakpetor, has been remanded into police custody by the Bole Magistrate for stealing gallons of fuel from tanker drivers.

    Reports indicate the suspect committed the act when the drivers parked their tankers to rest at a filling station at Bole.

    The court, presided over by His Worship Edward Essel, has also fined the suspect GHC 8,200.00 or in default he shall serve 18 months imprisonment with hard labour.

    According to the prosecutor who also doubles as the Bole District Crime Officer, ASP Wisdom Pavis Agbeklah, one of the filling stations, Amdaway with the help of some drivers arrested the suspect and handed him over to the police.

    He said for the past five months, drivers who come to rest at the filling station complained of their missing gallons of water and fuel in the tanks of their vehicles.

    DSP Agbeklah added that a CCTV camera captured a young man with six cans of petrol as some drivers and workers laid ambush to arrest the person behind the stealing of the fuel.

    The suspect was arrested with a motorbike, an android phone and some keys.

    According to the prosecutor, he was charged for stealing and causing financial loss to the fuel company.

    He gave out two accomplices he always sells the stolen fuel to and they were arrested from their hideouts.

    They both pleaded guilty to the offences and were charged for conspiracy.

    The suspects are expected to reappear on August 31, 2022.

  • Nigerian ‘hero’ who drove a tanker on fire to safety

    A Nigerian man who has been hailed a “hero” for risking his life by driving a burning fuel tanker away from a densely populated suburban area in Warri Delta State has recounted to the BBC the scary ordeal.

    “‘There was just one thought on my mind and that was to plunge the burning tanker into a river nearby’,” Ejiro Otarigho said.

    ”My [assistant] was the one who alerted me to the fact that our tanker was on fire. It was a scary ball of fire,” he continued.

    Mr Ejiro said he had just offloaded some of the contents of the tanker and was heading towards another point when tragedy struck.

    With no time to waste, he told his assistant to get off and he sped off in the burning tanker amidst shrieks of fear and dismay from onlookers.

    In the dangerous incident, any slight error of judgement from Mr Otarigho or, a sudden explosion, could have resulted in total disaster.

    “My intention was to drive to the river. When I got there the car steering got stuck and I couldn’t move any further,” he recounted.

    “I said if I drive straight, the truck may fall and that may cause another problem. So I just have to park in the open space.”

    Mr Otarigho finally got the tanker to safety and onlookers can be seen in one of the videos dragging him away.

    Mr Otarigho is safe and sound save for some smoke inhalation and a few bruises.

    Tanker fire accidents are common in Nigeria and many lives have been lost with accompanying damage to properties.

    Source: BBC