A fuel tanker exploded on the Kasoa‑Winneba Highway on Thursday, March 19, 2026, sending flames and thick smoke into the air and engulfing nearby buildings.
The incident occurred when a tanker carrying petrol was involved in an accident along the busy corridor, close to the Kasoa‑Ofaakor junction. Eyewitnesses said the vehicle lost control and collided with the roadside before bursting into flames.
Residents and traders in the area were caught off guard as the explosion triggered panic. Flames quickly spread from the tanker to several nearby structures, including shops and kiosks lining the highway. Some of these buildings were completely consumed by the fire before emergency services arrived at the scene.
Passengers on passing vehicles and pedestrians fled in all directions as the blaze intensified. The sound of the explosion was reportedly heard from several kilometres away, adding to the shock felt by people in surrounding communities.
Firefighters from the Ghana National Fire Service were dispatched to the site and worked to contain the inferno. Crews battled the blaze for hours, managing to prevent the fire from spreading further down the highway and affecting more properties.
Although the exact number of casualties remained unclear at the time of reporting, several people were injured and rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. Some victims sustained burns and lacerations as they tried to escape the flames.
Security personnel cordoned off the area to allow emergency responders to operate and to keep bystanders at a safe distance. Traffic along the highway was disrupted for several hours as authorities worked to clear the wreckage and ensure the area was safe for motorists.
Officials say a full investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the accident and whether any safety protocols were breached during the tanker’s journey.
Local community leaders expressed concern over the disaster, calling for improved safety measures along major highways to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
