Traffic came to a standstill on the Kintampo-Kumasi/Accra highway as a Burkina Faso-bound fuel tanker overturned, blocking both lanes since Friday, July 12, 2024, following a collision with a sedan that resulted in severe injuries to both drivers.
The accident, near FulaniKrom, left the tanker driver with an amputated arm and the sedan driver with both legs lost, according to reports from the scene. Passengers stranded in hundreds of vehicles expressed heightened fears of a potential explosion due to the volatile cargo.
“We’ve been stuck here since Friday afternoon with no food, no water. As we speak at 1:40 am Saturday, there’s no solution yet,” lamented one stranded passenger to Citi News.
Authorities, including the police and fire services, have been on-site attempting to manage the situation. Still, challenges persist in gaining clearance from Burkina Faso authorities to discharge the fuel and reposition the tanker safely.
“We’re told they need permission from the Burkina Faso authorities to discharge the fuel and reposition the tanker. But what if it explodes?” questioned another concerned passenger.
Efforts by emergency responders have focused on maintaining the tanker’s temperature to prevent ignition, as confirmed by a fire service officer present since the incident began.
The situation underscores ongoing concerns over highway safety and emergency response coordination in Ghana. Stakeholders are urging swift action to prevent further risks to stranded passengers and nearby residents.
