3 Killed, others injured in explosion at Suhum
On Saturday, February 14, 2026, a massive fuel tanker explosion at
Ntoaso, near Suhum on the Accra-Kumasi Highway, resulted in multiple fatalities and significant property damage.
Incident Details
The Crash: At approximately 5:00 AM, a petrol tanker traveling from Tema to Kumasi reached the Ntoaso stretch. According to the Ghana Police Service, the driver lost control of the vehicle, leading to a "bulk blasting" that splashed fuel onto vehicles behind it.
The Explosion: The impact triggered a massive blaze and subsequent explosion. Eyewitness reports from PM24 News suggest the fire may have been exacerbated by residents attempting to siphon fuel from the tanker before it ignited.
Casualties and Injuries
Fatalities: Reports on the death toll vary as the situation develops. Initial police statements confirmed three fatalities, including two unidentified males found at the scene and one body located inside a burnt vehicle. Later reports from MyJoyOnline raised the toll to four people burnt beyond recognition.
Injuries: Dozens of people sustained severe burns. The Eastern South Regional Police Command noted that 10 victims are receiving treatment at the Nsawam Government Hospital, with six critically injured patients transferred to the Eastern Regional Hospital for specialized care.
Property Damage
The inferno completely destroyed multiple vehicles on the busy highway:
Six to seven vehicles were burnt, including a VIP passenger bus where the driver managed to evacuate all passengers before the flames spread. Four to five motorcycles were also consumed by the fire.
Emergency Response
Personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), the Police, the National Ambulance Service, and NADMO responded to the scene to extinguish the blaze and manage the heavy traffic congestion on the Suhum-Nsawam stretch.
