The Panpaso fuel tanker accident on the Nsawam–Kumasi Road has sparked serious safety concerns after a fuel tanker transporting petroleum products overturned and spilled highly flammable fuel, drawing large crowds of onlookers and prompting warnings from the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC).
Videos circulating on social media show members of the public gathering dangerously close to the overturned tanker, with some attempting to siphon fuel despite the high risk of explosion.
“COMAC is deeply concerned by reports and circulating videos showing members of the public gathering at a serious safety incident that has occurred on the Nsawam–Kumasi Road near Panpaso.”
Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC)
According to the group, the presence of crowds and open containers near spilled fuel significantly increases the likelihood of explosions or fires.
“Fuel tanker accidents pose extreme danger,” COMAC stated, noting that even the smallest ignition source could lead to devastating outcomes, including severe burns, loss of life, and destruction of nearby property.
The organization stressed that mobile phones, vehicle engines, or naked flames can easily ignite spilled fuel, turning an already dangerous scene into a deadly inferno.
Hidden Dangers of Fuel Siphoning
While siphoning fuel from accident scenes has become a recurring issue in some communities, COMAC warned that the practice carries fatal risks that are often underestimated.
Past incidents across the country have demonstrated how quickly fuel spills can ignite, trapping unsuspecting individuals and leaving families and communities devastated.
The organization appealed to residents and road users to resist the temptation of short-term gain, cautioning that no amount of fuel is worth the loss of human life.
COMAC recalled that previous fuel siphoning incidents have resulted in “tragic loss of lives, serious injuries, and long-term hardship for families and communities,” a reality that continues to haunt affected areas.
Call for Cooperation With Emergency Responders
COMAC also underscored the importance of allowing emergency responders to carry out their duties without interference. According to the group, overcrowding at accident scenes not only endangers lives but also delays rescue and containment efforts, increasing the overall risk.
The statement urged the public to keep a safe distance from overturned tankers and fuel spillages, cooperate fully with emergency personnel, and immediately alert the appropriate authorities when such incidents occur.
COMAC emphasized that coordinated response efforts are critical to preventing secondary disasters and ensuring the safety of both victims and first responders.
Beyond the immediate incident at Panpaso, COMAC used the opportunity to reinforce broader road safety messages. The organization stressed that safety is a shared responsibility involving road users, nearby residents, transport operators, and authorities.
“We urge the public to keep away from the accident scene, cooperate fully with emergency responders, and report such incidents to the appropriate authorities.”
Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC)
COMAC concluded with a strong reminder that “no amount of fuel is worth a human life,” calling on all Ghanaians to place safety above curiosity or economic desperation.
Authorities Expected to Investigate Incident
Meanwhile, authorities are expected to investigate the cause of the accident and assess the extent of environmental and infrastructural damage caused by the fuel spillage.
Motorists using the Nsawam–Kumasi Road have been advised to exercise caution, as cleanup and safety operations may affect traffic flow in the area.
As investigations continue, COMAC’s message remains clear: avoiding dangerous accident scenes and prioritizing safety can prevent avoidable tragedies.
The organization hopes that increased public awareness and responsible action will reduce the recurrence of such life-threatening incidents on Ghana’s roads.
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