Fire Service expresses condolences to families of tanker explosion victims at Nsawam

The Eastern Regional Command of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has expressed condolences to the families of the victims of the February 14, 2026 tanker explosion, near Okanta, and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

The explosion occurred at Signboard, near Okanta, off the Accra-Nsawam Highway, leaving several casualties and severe damage to vehicles and motorcycles.

In a statement signed by Divisional Officer Three (DOIII) Ignatius K. Baidoo, Eastern Regional Public Relations Officer and copied to the GNA, the GNFS warned the public against fuel syphoning, describing it as illegal and extremely dangerous.

The Service also urged people to keep clear of road crash scenes involving vehicles carrying fuel and to contact emergency responders immediately when such incidents occur.

According to the release, the Regional Command received a distress call at 1645 hours, prompting firefighters from the Suhum Fire Station to respond.

The crew arrived to find a fully involved fire consuming a petrol tanker carrying about 54,000 litres of fuel, a VIP bus, three saloon cars and four motorcycles.

Due to the intensity of the blaze, reinforcement was requested, and firefighters from the Bunso Fire Station joined the operation.

Fire crews used foam and coordinated tactics to bring the fire under control at 0824 hours, fully extinguishing it at 1108 hours.

The GNFS reported 15 casualties – 11 males and four females. Three people died at the scene, and their bodies were handed over to the police for preservation and investigation.

Twelve injured individuals were taken to the Nsawam Government Hospital, where two were later discharged.

Ten others were referred to the Eastern Regional Hospital in Koforidua, where three more victims died, while the rest continue to receive treatment.

DOIII Baidoo said investigations were underway, but early findings suggest the fire may have ignited when sparks were produced as some individuals allegedly attempted to breach the tanker illegally using cutting tools.

The resulting ignition of petrol vapour caused a sudden fire that trapped the victims.

He noted that the GNFS remains committed to protecting lives and property and appealed for public cooperation to improve safety in the region.

GNA