The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) reports that a total of twelve (12) firefighters sustained injuries following an explosion during efforts to contain a fuel tanker fire at Gomoa Potsin in the Central Region.

At approximately 0558 hours on Tuesday, 17th March 2026, the Central Regional Fire Control Room received a distress call reporting a fire outbreak involving a fuel tanker (GT 5671-22) along the Winneba–Accra Highway.

Fire appliances from the Apam and Kasoa Fire Stations were immediately dispatched to the scene, with support from a private water tanker.

Upon arrival at 0626 hours, firefighters encountered a fully developed fire involving a fuel tanker carrying approximately 54,000 litres of petrol. The fire was rapidly spreading to nearby properties, posing significant risk to lives and infrastructure. The driver and his mate, however, escaped unhurt.

Through coordinated and tactical firefighting efforts, the team successfully contained the blaze, which affected nearby structures, and brought it under control at 0758 hours. The fire was completely extinguished at 0842 hours.

However, during cooling operations aimed at preventing re-ignition and possible secondary explosions, the tanker reignited and subsequently exploded, resulting in injuries to twelve (12) firefighters. Out of the injured personnel, four (4) sustained severe injuries. Three (3) were rushed to the Winneba Trauma and Specialist Hospital, while one (1) was treated at the Potsin Polyclinic. The remaining eight (8) sustained minor injuries and were treated on-site by the Ambulance Service Team. All the severely injured firefighters have since been treated and discharged.

The Central Regional Commander, ACFO I Merinder Mary Attigah Mensah, in the company of the Director of Operations, DCFO Roberta Aggrey Ghanson, visited both the injured personnel and the incident scene earlier today and assured them of Management’s commitment to their welfare and full recovery.

Firefighters remain at the scene to ensure safety as arrangements are underway for the safe transfer of the remaining petrol from the affected tanker into another tanker. The cause of the crash and the resulting fire remains under investigation.

The Ghana National Fire Service expresses its special appreciation to all supporting agencies whose timely intervention contributed to the successful management of the incident. The Service reaffirms its unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property and remains deeply concerned about the safety and welfare of its personnel.

The Service extends its best wishes for continued recovery to the affected firefighters and expresses sincere empathy to all victims of this unfortunate incident.