The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has confirmed that twelve firefighters were injured while responding to a fuel tanker explosion at Gomoa Potsin in the Central Region.
The incident occurred during cooling operations after the fire had initially been brought under control. The tanker unexpectedly reignited and exploded, causing injuries to the firefighters involved.
According to a statement issued on March 17, four of the injured officers sustained serious injuries. Three were taken to the Winneba Trauma and Specialist Hospital, while one received treatment at the Potsin Polyclinic. The remaining eight suffered minor injuries and were treated at the scene by an ambulance team. All four severely injured personnel have since been treated and discharged.
The fire service received a distress call at about 5:58 a.m. on Tuesday, March 17, reporting a burning fuel tanker with registration number GT 5671-22 along the Winneba-Accra Highway. Fire crews from Apam and Kasoa, supported by a private water tanker, were dispatched immediately.
Upon arrival, firefighters found the tanker—carrying about 54,000 litres of petrol—engulfed in flames, with the fire spreading to nearby structures and posing serious danger. The driver and his mate escaped unharmed.
Through coordinated efforts, the fire was brought under control by 7:58 a.m. and fully extinguished by 8:42 a.m.
Central Regional Commander ACFO I Merinder Mary Attigah Mensah and Director of Operations DCFO Roberta Aggrey Ghanson later visited the injured personnel and the scene, assuring affected officers of management’s support for their recovery.
The cause of the incident remains under investigation. GNFS expressed gratitude to supporting agencies and reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, while extending well wishes to the injured firefighters.
Source: 3news
