A tanker driver and his assistant narrowly escaped death after their vehicle skidded off the road and plunged into a river at Okuma-Akura in the Oti region.
The truck, with registration number GW 4995-21, carrying diesel, was transporting diesel from Tema to Borae in the Krachi Nchumuru district.
The two were out of danger when residents rushed to the scene, escaping with minor injuries and were taken to the Kparekpare Community Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound for treatment.
According to assembly member of the Kparekpare area, Isaac Kaliwa, the tanker driver swerved to avoid hitting a herd of cattle crossing the road, landing in a river, and falling on its side.
General Sergeant Zakari Asharift of the Motor Traffic and Transport Division (MTTD) of the Krachi East command confirmed the accident and noted that the victim only sustained minor injuries.
He said the police rushed to the scene immediately after they got the report to avert heavy traffic.
General Sergeant Asharift explained that the fuel was transferred into another tanker to avoid a possible fire outbreak.
It adds to several highway accidents involving fuel tankers in the last few months.
The tanker caught fire due to an alleged mechanical fault, starting from the front and spreading to the back.
The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) swiftly responded to the fire, preventing the tanker from exploding.
Despite their efforts to contain the fire, significant damage had occurred due to the intensity of the flames.
No casualties were reported.
The cause of the incident, which occurred precisely at 10:00 p.m., is yet to be established.
However, pictures from the accident scene show the tanker fell off on a bumpy side of the highway.
Fortunately, the Ghana National Fire Service promptly responded, arriving 30 minutes after the incident.
All passengers and the driver on board were rescued unharmed.