Gomoa potsin: 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.
According to Ghana Web, the incident occurred early Tuesday, 17th March 2026, when the Central Regional Fire Control Room received an urgent call around 0558 hours about a fire involving a fuel tanker, identified as GT 5671-22, along the Winneba-Accra Highway. Firefighting teams from the Apam and Kasoa Fire Stations, assisted by a private water tanker, were swiftly dispatched to the site.
Upon their arrival at 0626 hours, the firefighters were met with a fully developed fire, as the tanker was carrying approximately 54,000 litres of petrol. The fire posed an immediate threat to nearby properties, but the driver and his mate managed to escape unharmed. The firefighting teams, through tactical and coordinated efforts, were able to contain the blaze, which had affected nearby structures, and brought it under control by 0758 hours. The fire was completely extinguished at 0842 hours.
Unfortunately, during the cooling operations intended to prevent any further ignition or secondary explosions, the tanker reignited, leading to an explosion that injured twelve (12) firefighters. Of the injured, four (4) sustained severe injuries; three (3) were taken to the Winneba Trauma and Specialist Hospital, while one (1) received treatment at the Potsin Polyclinic. The remaining eight (8), who suffered minor injuries, were treated on-site by the Ambulance Service Team. All severely injured firefighters have since been treated and discharged.
The Central Regional Commander, ACFO I Merinder Mary Attigah Mensah, alongside the Director of Operations, DCFO Roberta Aggrey Ghanson, visited the injured personnel and the incident scene, providing assurance of the Management's commitment to their welfare and recovery.
Firefighters continue to remain at the scene to ensure safety, as arrangements are being made to transfer the remaining petrol from the affected tanker into another. The cause of the crash and the resulting fire is still under investigation.
The Ghana National Fire Service has expressed gratitude to all supporting agencies whose prompt intervention played a crucial role in managing the incident successfully. The Service reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding lives and property and remains deeply concerned about the safety and welfare of its personnel. Best wishes for a continued recovery have been extended to the affected firefighters, along with sincere empathy to all victims of this unfortunate incident.