RESIDENTS SCRAMBLE FOR DIESEL AFTER FUEL TANKER ACCIDENT AT SUHUM

Suhum, Eastern Region -There was drama along the Accra-Kumasi Highway at Suhum on Sunday after residents rushed to collect diesel following an accident involving a fuel tanker. The incident, which occurred on the busy stretch, left the tanker leaking its contents onto the road. Moments after the crash, several residents were seen gathering at the scene with gallons, buckets and other containers to scoop the spilled fuel. Videos from the scene circulating on social media show dozens of people, including women and young men, surrounding the tanker and jostling to collect the diesel despite the obvious danger. Eyewitnesses say the driver of the tanker lost control, though the exact cause of the accident is yet to be established. No casualties have been confirmed as of now. The development has raised fresh concerns about public safety, as similar rush for spilled fuel has in the past led to deadly explosions and fires in other parts of the country. Police and personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service are said to have been called to the scene to control the crowd and prevent any fire outbreak, while efforts were underway to evacuate the tanker and restore traffic flow on the highway. Authorities have cautioned the public to stay away from accident scenes involving fuel tankers, warning that spilled fuel is highly flammable and could endanger lives and property. Report by Osofoba Enoch - Eastern Region