A truck transporting Frytol cooking oil was engulfed in flames in the early hours of today along the Tamale–Karaga road, between GAA and Yemo Karaga Yapala, causing significant damage to its cargo and a temporary disruption to traffic.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing thick plumes of smoke rising from the vehicle as the fire spread rapidly, consuming a large portion of the goods on board.
Amid the chaos, some bystanders were observed salvaging undamaged cartons of cooking oil while efforts were made to control the situation.
According to the driver, the fire was triggered by a flat tyre.
Read also: Police Seize 26 Sacks of Suspected Indian Hemp Worth Over GH¢1 Million
He explained that the mechanical failure likely generated excessive heat, which sparked the blaze and quickly escalated due to the highly flammable nature of the cargo.
The driver managed to escape unharmed before the fire intensified.
The incident drew the attention of motorists and residents in the area, prompting vehicles to slow down and proceed with caution.
Traffic flow along the busy stretch was temporarily affected as smoke reduced visibility and the burning truck partially obstructed the road.
Emergency response teams were alerted, and the fire was eventually brought under control, preventing it from spreading to nearby vegetation or other vehicles.
Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were recorded. However, the incident resulted in considerable financial loss due to the destruction of goods.
Authorities have urged drivers, especially those transporting flammable materials, to conduct thorough vehicle checks before embarking on long journeys to prevent similar incidents.
Also read: Serious Road Traffic Accident Reported Near Kumasi Girls SHS Leaves Several Injured
Investigations into the exact cause of the fire are ongoing.