An Opel Taxicab with registration number, WR 2007-12 carrying passengers from Takoradi to Sekondi caught fire few meters away from the Takoradi Technical University (TTU) Traffic light at about 6:30pm Wednesday evening.
But for the timely intervention of fire fighters from the Ghana National Fire Service with support from the Police MTTD, a situation which could have escalated into another major disaster was curtailed.
When Beachfmonline got to the accident scene, fire fighters had managed to quench the fire but the taxicab was totally burnt.
Narrating the incidents to Beachfmonline, the Western Regional MTTD Commander, Superintendent Richard Appiah said, he was at the scene with his men at 3pm to control a heavy traffic on that section of the road.
The traffic he said, was as a result of a breakdown tanker truck carrying diesel with registration number BA 1851 X.
“Suddenly we saw a taxicab with set of passengers heading towards Sekondi in flames and alerted the driver to stop. Attempt to fight the fire with fire extinguishers from other drivers proved futile and we also realized there was a gas cylinder in the taxi so we evacuated the passengers from the taxi. Then the taxi exploded”.
Though, none of the passengers nor the driver onboard the taxicab was hurt, the spontaneous chaotic situation caused by the explosion from the taxi made people run for their dear lives as they shouted “gas explosion, gas explosion.”
“When the gas was oozing out of the car with flames, other drivers started panicking and began creating chaos in the process. The police had to step in to control the rampaging motorists from causing further accident. That is why we have blocked the road to prevent more cars from getting to the scene.”
According to the Metro Fire Officer, Divisional Officer Grade One, James Ankrah, though a gas cylinder exploded in the taxi, he couldn’t confirm the explosion was caused as a result of the gas in the car until they finish with their investigations.
The Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Chief Executive Officer, Anthony K.K. Sam who rushed to the scene upon hearing the news of gas explosion on the Sekondi road was happy to hear that no casualties were recorded.
In an exclusive interview with Beachfmonline, the mayor cautioned drivers especially commercial drivers to ensure that their cars are in good condition before they set off since they carry lives of other people with them always. “In this festive season, we must all help to ensure accident free on our roads.” He added.
Kojo Ennimil Arthur/Beachfmonline.com
