- Fire prevented from reaching fuel compartment
- Authorities reviewing incident to improve future prevention
- Fire likely caused by tyre overheating due to friction
A potentially catastrophic fuel tanker fire was successfully brought under control on Tuesday afternoon, thanks to the swift intervention of firefighters from the University of Ghana Fire Station.
According to the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), a distress call was received at 1:39 p.m., prompting the immediate dispatch of a fire crew to the scene, located along the busy Nsawam–Ofankor highway.
Upon arrival approximately 30 minutes later, firefighters found that the rear tyre of a Howo fuel tanker had caught fire. Preliminary assessments indicate that the blaze was triggered by intense friction-induced heat, which ignited the tyre—a dangerous scenario given the vehicle’s highly flammable fuel load.
Thanks to the quick and professional efforts of the responding crew, the flames were contained before they could reach the tanker’s fuel compartment, averting a potentially devastating explosion.
The fire was completely extinguished without any injuries or significant damage to property.
Authorities have commended the University of Ghana Fire Station team for their prompt and effective response, which prevented a major disaster on one of Accra’s most heavily trafficked routes.
An investigation is currently underway to determine further safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
