Twelve firefighters were injured when a fuel tanker exploded during cooling operations at Gomoa Potsin in the Central Region on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.

The Ghana National Fire Service said the explosion occurred after the team had successfully extinguished a fire involving the tanker, which was carrying about 54,000 litres of petrol. The driver and his mate escaped unhurt.

The Central Regional Fire Control Room received a distress call at around 5:58 AM reporting a fire along the Winneba–Accra Highway involving the tanker (GT 5671-22). Firefighters from Apam and Kasoa stations, assisted by a private water tanker, arrived at 6:26 AM and brought the fire under control by 7:58 AM. Full extinguishment was achieved at 8:42 AM.

During post-fire cooling operations to prevent re-ignition, the tanker reignited and exploded, injuring 12 firefighters. Four sustained severe burns and were admitted to the Winneba Trauma and Specialist Hospital and Potsin Polyclinic. They have since been treated and discharged. The remaining eight sustained minor injuries and received treatment at the scene.

The Central Regional Commander, ACFO I Merinder Mary Attigah Mensah, and the Director of Operations, DCFO Roberta Aggrey Ghanson, visited the injured personnel and the site of the incident.

Firefighters remain on site to ensure safety as preparations continue to transfer the remaining fuel from the damaged tanker.

Authorities have confirmed that the cause of the crash and subsequent fire is under investigation.