Driver dies in fatal diesel tanker blaze at Asutuare Junction

A driver was burnt beyond recognition after a diesel tanker caught fire at Asutuare Junction, destroying the vehicle and its cargo and renewing concerns over the dangers associated with transporting petroleum products.

According to a press statement issued by the Public Relations Unit of the Eastern Regional Command of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), a distress call was received at o441 hours on June 28, 2026, prompting the deployment of four fire tenders from Somanya, VRA, Akosombo and Gbetsile in the Greater Accra Region.

The first firefighting crew arrived at the scene at 0530 hours and brought the fire under control by 0603 hours. The blaze was completely extinguished at 0630 hours, preventing it from spreading to nearby properties and other road users.

The GNFS said the tanker and its diesel cargo were destroyed.

It said the body of one person, believed to be the driver, was found burnt beyond recognition, while the driver’s mate was rescued and rushed to the Akuse Government Hospital for treatment.

The firefighting operation was led by Station Officer II Achisey of the Somanya Fire Station.

The Ghana National Fire Service has commenced investigations to determine the cause of the fire and has urged operators of fuel tankers and other road users to observe safety measures to help prevent similar incidents.

GNA