6 deaths, 7 injured in Accra-Nsawam highway petrol tanker fire – GNFS

• Posted on February 16, 2026February 16, 2026
• by Nana Kwesi Coomson
• Comment

Six people have died following a tragic fire incident involving a petrol tanker and multiple vehicles on the Accra-Nsawam Highway near Okanta in the early hours of Saturday, February 14, 2026.

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has confirmed that the fire outbreak, which occurred around 4:45 am, claimed six lives—three at the scene and three others who later succumbed to their injuries at the Koforidua Regional Hospital.

According to a press release signed by Ignatius K. Baidoo, Divisional Officer Three (DO III) and Eastern Regional Public Relations Officer of the GNFS, firefighters from the Suhum Fire Station responded to a distress call and arrived to find a fully developed vehicular fire.

“A total of 15 casualties were recorded (11 males and 4 females). Three (3) victims (two males, one female) tragically died at the scene, and their badly charred bodies were handed over to the Police for preservation and further investigation,” the statement said.

The fire involved a petrol tanker carrying approximately 54,000 litres of fuel, a VIP bus, three saloon cars, and four motorcycles—all of which were engulfed in flames and extensively damaged.

Due to the intensity and rapid spread of the fire, reinforcement was requested from the Bunso Fire Station to support firefighting operations. Through coordinated tactical efforts, including the application of foam compound, firefighters brought the blaze under control at 8:24 am and completely extinguished it by 11:08 am.

Twelve injured persons were initially taken to Nsawam Hospital, where two were discharged, including one against medical advice. Ten critical patients were then referred to Koforidua Regional Hospital, where three later died. The remaining seven survivors—comprising two male children, four male adults, and one female—are still receiving treatment.

Preliminary investigations suggest the fire may have been caused by sparks generated during illegal fuel siphoning attempts. “Preliminary assessments suggest that sparks generated during attempts by some individuals to illegally breach the petrol tanker using cutting tools may have ignited petrol vapours, leading to the intense fire,” the GNFS stated.

The Service has strongly cautioned the public against fuel siphoning, describing it as illegal and extremely dangerous, and urged citizens to stay away from accident scenes involving flammable substances and immediately alert emergency services.

The Eastern Regional Command extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wished a speedy recovery to those still hospitalised, while appealing for public cooperation to enhance fire safety across the region.