One dead after diesel tanker bursts into flames at Asutuare Junction

One person has died after a diesel tanker caught fire at Asutuare Junction in the Eastern Region, reports the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) which successfully contained the blaze before it spread to nearby areas.

The deceased, believed to be the driver of the tanker, was found burnt beyond recognition at the scene, while the driver's mate was rescued and rushed to the Akuse Hospital for medical treatment.

The tanker and its entire diesel load were completely destroyed in the incident.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, July 1, the GNFS said it received a distress call at 4:41 a.m. on Sunday, June 28, prompting the deployment of four fire tenders from the Somanya, VRA, Akosombo and Gbetsile fire stations.

"Four fire pumps from Somanya, VRA, Akosombo and Gbetsile were deployed, with the first crew arriving at 0530 hours. The fire was brought under control at 0603 hours and fully extinguished at 0630 hours."

The firefighting operation was led by Station Officer II Achisey of the Somanya Fire Station, whose team managed to prevent the fire from escalating despite the highly combustible nature of the tanker's cargo.

"One person, believed to be the driver, was found burnt to death at the scene, while the driver's mate was rescued and transported to Akuse Hospital for treatment," the statement read in part.

The service said investigations are underway to determine the cause of the fire.