Driver suffers severe chemical burns in truck explosion in Upper West Region

A driver has reportedly suffered severe chemical burns following a fire and explosion involving a long vehicle transporting 35 Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBC totes) believed to contain hydrogen peroxide at Goriyiri in the Nadowli-Kaleo District of the Upper West Region.

Personnel from the Upper West Regional Command of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) were deployed to the scene to contain the incident and manage the potential hazards posed by the chemical cargo.

According to an incident report issued by the GNFS, a 5-member firefighting team led by ASTNO Balagee was dispatched to respond to the emergency.

Upon arrival, the team assessed the scene and identified possible chemical risks associated with the vehicle’s cargo before implementing measures to contain the situation and minimise the dangers.

The driver, who reportedly sustained severe chemical burns, was transported to a hospital for medical treatment.

The incident involved 35 IBC totes reportedly carrying hydrogen peroxide, a chemical that can pose serious safety risks depending on its concentration and the conditions under which it is handled, stored or transported.

The presence of the substance required firefighters to assess the potential hazards carefully before taking steps to control the situation.

The GNFS has not yet disclosed what triggered the fire and explosion, the extent of damage to the vehicle or the current condition of the injured driver.