Dramatic scenes unfolded along the Nsawam-Accra highway on Saturday as firefighters battled a raging inferno following a tanker explosion that brought traffic to a standstill and sent plumes of thick black smoke billowing into the sky.
The explosion, which occurred along the busy stretch linking Nsawam to Accra, reportedly involved a fuel tanker that caught fire after a suspected collision. Eyewitnesses described hearing a loud blast moments before flames engulfed the vehicle, triggering panic among motorists and nearby residents.
Personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service responded swiftly to the emergency call, dispatching multiple fire tenders to the scene. Firefighters, clad in protective gear, worked tirelessly for hours to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby vehicles and structures.
Images from the scene capture the intensity of the operation — firefighters directing high-pressure hoses at the burning tanker, others applying foam to suppress the flames, while police officers and emergency responders cordoned off the area to ensure public safety.
The explosion forced authorities to temporarily close portions of the highway, leading to heavy traffic congestion on alternative routes. Commuters were advised to exercise caution and cooperate with security personnel as emergency teams continued their work.
Officials have yet to confirm the full extent of damage or possible casualties, but preliminary reports suggest that the swift intervention of firefighters helped avert a potentially more catastrophic outcome.
Saturday’s incident adds to growing concerns over tanker safety and road accidents involving petroleum products on major highways. Authorities say investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the explosion and whether safety protocols were adhered to.
As cleanup efforts continue, the bravery and coordinated response of emergency personnel have drawn praise from members of the public, many of whom expressed gratitude for the rapid containment of what could have been a devastating disaster.
