A gas tanker driver has sustained injuries after his vehicle skidded off the Kumasi-Accra highway, falling on its side around 5 a.m. on Saturday, June 8, 2024.
Ghana National Fire Service officials at Juaso in the Asante Akyem South Municipality confirmed the incident.
The Municipal Safety Officer/PRO, ADO2 Frank Owusu Sakyi, stated that there was no gas leakage from the tanker, but it was important for residents to self-evacuate as a precaution and remain calm.
Residents of Juaso in the Asante Akyem South Municipality have been advised to avoid lighting any fires near the accident scene.
As of the time of this report, fire personnel were closely monitoring the tank’s temperature while applying coolants to prevent a possible explosion.
The truck, with registration number GW 4995-21, carrying diesel, was transporting diesel from Tema to Borae in the Krachi Nchumuru district.
The two were out of danger when residents rushed to the scene, escaping with minor injuries and were taken to the Kparekpare Community Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound for treatment.
According to an assembly member of the Kparekpare area, Isaac Kaliwa, the tanker driver swerved to avoid hitting a herd of cattle crossing the road, landing in a river, and falling on its side.
The incident occurred following a head-on collision between a diesel tanker and a Toyota Camry on the Kumasi-Accra highway.
The tanker, carrying 36,000 litres of diesel from Accra to Kumasi, was involved in the collision.
Despite the presence of soldiers and police, residents forcefully opened the tanker’s compartments and began siphoning the diesel.
The accident claimed the life of the Toyota Camry driver, who died on the spot, while the other occupant, the tanker driver, and his mate sustained injuries.