A Toyota Sentra with registration number BT 565-22 has been completely burnt at Soalepe in the West Gonja Municipality along the Fulfulso-Damongo Highway in the Savannah Region.
The vehicle, carrying the driver and seven passengers, was travelling from Tamale to Damongo when the incident occurred. Reports say all occupants escaped unhurt.
Speaking to Channel One News, Deputy Chief Fire Officer (DCFO) and Regional Commander of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), Emmanuel Ofori Adjei, confirmed receiving a distress call from Soalepe about the fire on Friday, February 28. He stated that firefighters arrived at the scene within four minutes, but the car was already in a severely damaged state upon their arrival.
“Our team arrived within four minutes and managed to put out the fire, but by the time we got there, the vehicle was completely burned,” Adjei stated.
Recounting the incident, the driver said that “as he approached Soalepe, he suddenly heard an explosion and immediately pulled over. Realizing the danger, he rushed to open the doors for passengers and helped unload goods from the vehicle.
“Meanwhile, he did not have a fire extinguisher and was unaware of the fire service emergency number, making it impossible for him to call for help. A fellow driver travelling behind him witnessed the fire and quickly reported the incident,” the DCFO said.
According to him, investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the fire.
