A collision involving two MAN diesel trailers at Kwahu Hwidiem in the Nkawkaw Municipality resulted in a significant road hazard during the early hours of Sunday, June 14, necessitating an emergency response from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS).
GNFS in a Facebook post said the incident, which took place shortly before midnight, left diesel fuel and shattered glass scattered across the roadway, raising alarms about the possibility of secondary accidents on this heavily trafficked road.
The GNFS indicated that personnel from the New Abirem Municipal Fire Station were notified of the incident following a distress call received at 11:59 p.m.
A seven-member firefighting team, led by Station Officer Two (STNO II) Boakye, was promptly dispatched at 12:07 a.m. to the site of the accident.
The firefighters arrived at approximately 1:25 a.m. and discovered the two articulated diesel trailers entangled in the aftermath of the collision.
The impact inflicted severe damage on both vehicles, with debris littering the road and diesel leaking onto the carriageway.
The spillage presented a considerable hazard to motorists, especially due to the slippery nature of diesel fuel, which heightens the risk of vehicles losing control.
Shattered glass and additional wreckage from the collision further intensified the peril.
Emergency responders swiftly took action to secure the area and avert further accidents. Firefighters washed away the diesel spill and removed debris from the road surface to restore safe conditions for motorists passing through the vicinity.
The team collaborated closely with the Ghana Police Service to regulate traffic and maintain order during the clean-up operations. Their efforts significantly reduced disruption and allowed vehicles to safely navigate the affected section of the road.
Initial information collected at the scene indicated that the collision might have taken place during an overtaking manoeuvre.
One of the drivers involved stated that the crash occurred when the other trailer attempted to overtake.
While this account offers a preliminary insight into the possible causes of the accident, authorities are anticipated to conduct further investigations to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the collision.
Despite the considerable damage incurred by both heavy-duty vehicles, no casualties were reported.
Neither fatalities nor injuries were noted, a situation that emergency officials deemed fortunate considering the severity of the impact and the potential dangers associated with the diesel spillage.
The operation at Kwahu Hwidiem persisted for several hours as firefighters worked diligently to ensure the area was safe and devoid of hazards. After successfully completing the clean-up and traffic management operations, the emergency crew returned to their base at 6:44 a.m.
