Several people are feared dead after being burnt beyond recognition, with many others sustaining serious injuries, following a fuel tanker explosion at Ntoaso near Nsawam in the Eastern Region.
According to Daniel Bampoe, a renowned journalist, the incident occurred at dawn on Saturday, February 14, 2026, when the tanker reportedly developed a mechanical fault and broke down along the busy Accra–Kumasi Highway.
The journalist who chanced on the fuel tanker explosion said instead of keeping a safe distance, some residents, motorcyclists, and drivers rushed to the scene to siphon petrol.
Some of the individuals allegedly used chisels and other metal tools to hit and pierce the tanker, forcing petrol to gush onto the road so it could be collected. Moments later, the leaked fuel ignited, causing an explosion and a raging fire that engulfed at least five vehicles and several motorbikes, leaving scenes of devastation and panic along the busy stretch near Nsawam. Two occupants of a taxi are feared to have been burnt to death, while several others sustained severe burn injuries.
One of the most distressing scenes involved a woman carrying a baby who was badly burnt while attempting to collect fuel. In the ensuing confusion, another person reportedly grabbed the baby and ran to safety, saving the child’s life.
The tanker driver also sustained serious burns and is currently on admission at the hospital, battling for his life. Other injured victims were rushed to the Nsawam Government Hospital for urgent medical attention.
The fire spread to a VIP passenger bus operated by VIP Jeoun Transport, but a major disaster was narrowly avoided after the driver swiftly evacuated all passengers before the flames fully engulfed the vehicle. The bus was extensively damaged, but no passenger fatalities were recorded.
Emergency responders were quickly deployed to the scene. Personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service, Ghana Police Service, National Ambulance Service, and the National Disaster Management Organisation are currently on the ground assisting with rescue operations, crowd control, and the evacuation of victims.
Authorities say investigations have commenced to determine the exact cause of the explosion and establish responsibility. The number of casualties is yet to be officially confirmed as rescue and recovery operations continue.
Meanwhile, vehicular traffic along the Accra–Nsawam stretch has been disrupted, with police redirecting motorists to alternative routes to allow emergency teams to work safely and restore normalcy to the area.
By: Ekow Annan/newsalertgh.com
