The number of fatalities from the February 14, 2026 fuel tanker accident has risen to six, with three persons dying at the scene and three others succumbing to injuries while hospitalised.
According to an update by Divisional Officer Three (DOIII) Ignatius L. Baidoo, Eastern Regional Public Relations Officer, 12 individuals were admitted to the hospital, with two subsequently discharged, one of whom left against medical advice.
He explained that the preliminary investigation conducted has shown that sparks generated during attempts by some individuals to illegally breach the petrol tanker using cutting tools may have ignited petrol vapours.
This, he noted, led to the intense fire that engulfed vehicles travelling along that road at the time of the incident.
However, the swift intervention of firefighters deployed to the scene prevented a potential explosion.
He said, “The fatalities were reportedly trapped by the sudden fire following ignition of the petrol vapour cloud.”
“A total of 15 casualties were recorded (11 males and 4 females). Three (3) 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 (12) injured were taken to Nsawam Hospital, where two (2) were discharged, including one (1) against medical advice. Ten (10) critical patients (8 males, 2 females) were referred to Koforidua Regional Hospital.
Unfortunately, three (3) of these patients (2 males, 1 female) later died. The remaining seven (7), comprising 2 male children, 4 male adults, and 1 female, are still receiving treatment at the Koforidua Regional Hospital.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the fire.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
