One of the burnt cars
The death toll of the fuel tanker explosion that occurred on February, 14, 2026 at signboard near Okanta off the Accra-Nsawam Highway has risen to six, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has confirmed.
A press release, signed by the Eastern Regional Public Relations Officer, Divisional Officer Three (DO III), Ignatius K. Baidoo, stated that a total of 15 casualties were recorded with 3 deaths recorded at the scene and the remaining 12 taken to the Nsawam government hospital for treatment with two discharged.
It stated, “a total of 15 casualties were recorded (11 males and 4 females). Three 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. Twelve injured were taken to Nsawam Hospital, where two were discharged, including one against medical advice.”
It added that 10 patients, 8 males and 2 females who were in critical conditions were transferred to the Koforidua Regional Hospital stating that three patients later died, remaining 7 patients who are still receiving treatment.
“Ten critical patients (8 males, 2 females) were referred to Koforidua Regional Hospital. Unfortunately, three of these patients (2 males, I female) later died. The remaining seven, comprising two male children, four male adults, and one female, are still receiving treatment at the Koforidua Regional Hospital,” it stated.
It added that preliminary assessments suggest that sparks generated during attempts by some individuals to illegally breach the petrol tanker using cutting tools that may have ignited petrol vapours, leading to the intense fire that engulfed vehicles traveling along that road at the time of the incident.
The GNFS states that a swift intervention of firefighters prevented a potential explosion emphasising that the fatalities were reportedly trapped by the sudden fire following ignition of the petrol vapour cloud.
It has further cautioned the public against fuel siphoning stating that it is illegal and dangerous.
“The Ghana National Fire Service strongly cautions the public against fuel siphoning, which is illegal and extremely dangerous, and urges the public to stay away from accident scenes involving flammable substances and to immediately alert emergency services,” it stated.
By Florence Asamoah Adom