Ghana has continually suffered huge casualties, environmental pollution and economic losses as a result of frequent fire outbreaks from fallen petrol-laden tankers, gas stations etc.
Most of these ugly incidents could have been avoided if safety measures are religiously adhered to.
When any explosion occurs, persons, properties and several means of livelihoods are destroyed, leaving the immediate environment blighted.
On Thursday, January 20, there was an explosion at Appiatse near Bogoso in the Western Region.
According to a Police situational report, the accident involved a DAF vehicle with registration number WR 2252-18 transporting explosives from the MAXAM Company, Tarkwa, to Chirano Gold Mines and a motorcycle.
The Police stated that the rider of the motorcycle from the opposite direction, rode under the vehicle at around 1:25pm on Thursday.
The statement claimed that, due to the impact of the crash, the motorcycle caught fire and ignited the explosives on the DAF van. The DAF vehicle, thus burst into flames.
On Friday, January 21, a fuel tanker exploded at the Kaase Industrial Area in Kumasi. The affected area is alleged to be a hideout for individuals engaged in illegal fuel siphoning activities.
Eyewitnesses say some individuals were using gallons to siphon fuel from the tanker at a hideout when it went into flames.
While the individuals were engaged in the alleged illegal operation, a tricycle whose engine was running nearby, emitted sparks which caused the explosion.
As a newspaper, we call on the relevant agencies to sit up and ensure that all tankers/trailers and other forms of vehicles, especially those conveying dangerous goods such as petroleum products and other explosives, comply with the guidelines on safe operations.
Explosives due to their high risk characteristics, must not be transported on the road, they are usually transported by rail or ferry, what happened is a wake-up call.
