6 Dead in Fatal Fuel Tanker Explosion on Accra-Nsawam Highway

A devastating road traffic accident involving a petrol tanker, a VVIP bus, and multiple other vehicles has resulted in at least six fatalities and several critical injuries at Signboard near Okanta, off the Accra-Nsawam Highway. The tragedy, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday, February 14, 2026, triggered a massive inferno that engulfed several vehicles and motorcycles.

Accident Details and Emergency Response

The Eastern Regional Command of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) confirmed they received a distress call at approximately 04:45 hours. Firefighters from the Suhum Fire Station arrived to find a petrol tanker carrying roughly 54,000 litres of fuel, a VVIP bus, three saloon cars, and four motorcycles all engulfed in intense flames.

Due to the severity of the fire, reinforcement was requested from the Bunso Fire Station. Through coordinated efforts using foam compounds, the blaze was brought under control by 08:24 hours and completely extinguished by 11:08 hours.

Casualties and Investigations

A total of 15 casualties were initially recorded. Tragically:

• Three victims (two males and one female) died at the scene, their bodies badly charred.

  

• Twelve injured persons were rushed to Nsawam Hospital, where two were discharged.

• Ten critical patients were referred to Koforidua Regional Hospital, where unfortunately three additional patients (two males and one female) later succumbed to their injuries.

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Preliminary assessments suggest that the fire was likely ignited by individuals attempting to illegally breach the petrol tanker using cutting tools. Sparks generated during this attempt may have ignited petrol vapours, leading to the explosion that trapped and killed those nearby.

READ: Terrorist Attack Ghanaian Tomato Traders in Burkina Faso

Important Public Safety Warnings

The GNFS has issued a strong caution against fuel siphoning, which remains illegal and extremely dangerous. In a related safety effort, ensure you understand the core biological and chemical principles that govern safety and health:

Respiration: Understand how the body releases energy, a process that can be hindered by inhaling toxic smoke from petrol fires.

Circulatory System: Know how oxygen is transported via Red Blood Cells (RBCs) and how the heart pumps blood to maintain life during emergencies.

Chemical Bonding: Learn about Ionic Bonds and the properties of chemical compounds that can lead to hazardous reactions when exposed to heat.