A devastating fire outbreak at an illegal ‘Gao Gao’ fuel station in Teshie on Thursday wreaked havoc, destroying a vehicle and numerous commercial structures in the vicinity.
The blaze reportedly began when a vehicle was offloading gallons of fuel at the makeshift station. Witnesses at the scene said the fire quickly spiralled out of control due to the station owners’ inability to operate fire extinguishers. Panicked, they alerted the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) for assistance.
The fire spread with alarming speed, consuming the fuel station, a nearby parked car, and several small businesses, leaving behind a trail of destruction. Thick plumes of smoke could be seen billowing into the sky as residents rushed to safety.
Responding to the emergency, the GNFS deployed multiple firefighting units, including four fire tenders from the Trade Fair area in Accra, two from the GNFS national headquarters, and another from the Ghana Armed Forces. After a coordinated effort, the fire was eventually brought under control, averting further devastation.
ADO2 Alex Kinata Nartey, a member of the communication team of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), has revealed details of a fire incident involving a vehicle. According to him, the vehicle, which operates on gas, was transporting gallons of fuel to the fuel station when it caught fire.
He explained that the combustible nature of the fuel, combined with the flammable gas system of the car, significantly increased the risk of the fire spreading rapidly. Fortunately, prompt action by the fire service helped contain the blaze, preventing it from causing more extensive damage or endangering lives.
ADO2 Nartey used the incident to caution the public against transporting large quantities of fuel in unsafe conditions, especially in vehicles powered by gas. He emphasized the need for strict adherence to safety protocols to prevent such occurrences in the future.
Meanwhile, local residents have expressed outrage, demanding stricter enforcement of regulations to shut down illegal fuel stations in the area, which they say pose a persistent threat to lives and property.
This latest incident highlights the dangers associated with unregulated fuel stations and raises concerns about safety measures in densely populated areas like Teshie.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson #ahotoronline.com
