Quick intervention by the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) prevented a potentially catastrophic explosion after a fully loaded fuel tanker veered off the road and overturned near the Anyinam Railway Station on Sunday.
The emergency began at 2:35 AM when the Anyinam Fire Station received a distress call regarding the accident.
A seven-member rescue crew, led by Station Officer Grade II Kubetew Alfred, was dispatched within four minutes and arrived at the scene by 2:44 AM.
Upon arrival, first responders discovered a Burkina Faso-bound tanker, with registration number BF-9373-03, resting on its side in a muddy ditch.
The vehicle was transporting 45,000 liters of highly flammable petrol from Tema.
Recognizing the immediate danger, the crew conducted a rapid assessment for fuel leaks and casualties before initiating continuous cooling operations to keep the tanker’s temperature down and eliminate any risk of ignition.
The driver, who sustained only minor injuries in the crash, told officials that the heavy vehicle suddenly veered off the road.
Due to the volatile nature of the cargo, standby and rescue operations stretched over three days under the direct supervision of District Fire Commander DOI Michael George Korda.
Firefighters remained on-site through Monday and Tuesday, securing the area until the specialized equipment arrived to safely tow the vehicle.
The accident resulted in partial damage to the tanker, estimated at GHC 70,000. However, the prompt tactical response successfully secured the cargo, salvaging fuel valued at GHC 400,000.
The grueling operation officially concluded on Tuesday evening at 8:30 PM, with all personnel returning safely to base.
Personnel from the Ghana Police Service and the National Road Safety Authority were also on-site to assist with traffic management and safety. The exact cause of the accident remains under investigation.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
