A major catastrophe was narrowly avoided at Neefio on the Accra-Kumasi Highway, thanks to the swift and tactical response of the Suhum Municipal Fire Service.
At exactly 2:08 PM, the station received a distress call about a fuel tanker that had overturned and was leaking petrol dangerously.
Led by STNOII Addo Emmanuel, the crew arrived within minutes to find a DAF petrol tanker on its side, with fumes rising under the scorching heat and the risk of an explosion looming.
Acting quickly, the firefighters deployed foam concentrate and hose lines to blanket the leaked fuel and cool the tanker.
Cooling was done at 15-minute intervals to prevent ignition and stabilize the situation.
Their well-coordinated efforts ensured that what could have been a deadly explosion was brought under control.
According to the tanker driver, the accident occurred after a sudden front tyre burst caused him to lose control, veer off the road, and land in a ditch. He was en route from Tema to Kumasi with a full load of fuel.
The professionalism and speed of the Suhum fire team not only saved lives but also averted what could have been a large-scale disaster.
This accident comes just days after another tanker, with registration number GT 6870-24 and loaded with 54,000 litres of fuel, was involved in an accident at New Jejeti on the same highway.
