The Ghana Police Service says it is working to restore normal traffic and safety on the Suhum–Nsawam Highway following a fatal accident involving a fuel tanker on Saturday, February 14.

In a press release on February 14, Police said the incident occurred at Ntoaso on the Accra–Suhum dual carriageway.

According to the statement, the tanker, which was “loaded with petrol from Tema to Kumasi”, was involved in an accident when it reached a section of the road at Ntoaso.

Read also: Multiple vehicles burnt as fuel tanker explodes on Nsawam-Accra highway

Preliminary investigations suggest the driver lost control of the vehicle.

“Preliminary investigation indicates that the driver lost control of the vehicle leading to the bulk blasting and the fuel splashed on vehicles behind it,” the Police said.

The impact of the blast led to extensive damage. Police confirmed that “in all Six (6) vehicles and Four (4) motorcycles got burnt”.

Three bodies were also recovered from the scene. “Two (2) unidentified male charred bodies were also found at the scene and one unidentified body in one of the burnt vehicles,” the statement said.

Four other persons sustained injuries in the explosion and were taken to hospital.

“About Four (4) persons who sustained injuries due to the blast were rushed to nearby health facilities for medical attention,” the release added.

Personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service in Suhum and Nsawam were deployed to the scene to bring the fire under control.

“The Ghana National Fire Service from Suhum and Nsawam are at scene to douse the fire,” the Police said.

Officers have also begun visiting nearby hospitals to help identify the victims, while arrangements are being made to clear the wreckage.

“Police has commenced visits to the nearby hospitals to identify victims while efforts are underway to remove accident vehicles from the scene to ease traffic,” the statement noted.

The Police have urged drivers using that stretch of the road to exercise caution.

“Motorist commuting on that stretch of the road should reduce their speed and comply with police directives to ensure safety,” the statement said.