Atimatim: Fuel tanker driver burnt to death after vehicle crashed and caught fire at Maase-Adubinsu

A fuel tanker driver was burnt beyond recognition and his assistant sustained severe burns after the vehicle was involved in an accident at Atimatim Maase near Kumasi in the Ashanti.

The brakes of the truck reportedly failed, the driver lost control, and it struck an electric pole, and ignited a fire.

The accident happened on Thursday, June 4.

Firefighters from the Mamponteng and Bremang Fire Stations responded to a distress call received around midday, and were able to control the fore at 1:09 pm and fully extinguished it at 1:27 pm.

Cause of crash

According to the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), a preliminary report indicated that the petrol tanker suffered brake failure while ascending a small hill.

The detached bulk reportedly struck a low-tension electric pole, causing electrical cables to fall onto the tanker, which subsequently crashed and ignited.

Casualties

The driver was trapped and died in the fire. His badly charred body was handed over to the police and conveyed to St. Patrick Hospital morgue at Offinso.

The driver's mate sustained severe burns and was taken to the Tafo Government Hospital for treatment.

Damage and salvage

The fire destroyed the tanker's bulk with its contents and head, eight containers, a house, and an unserviceable vehicle with its contents.

However, six containers were salvaged through firefighting efforts.

The exact cause of the fire is under investigation, according to the GNFS.