The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) on Saturday evening, December 13, 2025, successfully contained a cargo truck fire at Budumburam in the Central Region, preventing what could have escalated into a major disaster. No casualties were recorded.
The incident involved a cargo truck with registration number GS 2379-23. A distress call was received at 20:16 hours, prompting an immediate response from the Budumburam Fire Station. Despite having an out-of-service fire engine at the time, the responding crew, led by Station Officer II (STNO II) Takyi, acted swiftly using portable fire extinguishers to control the blaze.
Reinforcements from the Kasoa Fire Station later joined the operation, and through combined efforts, the fire was fully extinguished at 22:29 hours.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the truck was transporting hazardous materials, including firecrackers, a restricted item under Executive Instrument (E.I.) 21 of 1999. Early findings suggest that the fire may have resulted from spontaneous ignition, possibly caused by improper storage and handling of the hazardous materials on board.
Although the truck was largely salvaged, it sustained minor smoke damage. The incident has since been reported to the Ghana Police Service for further investigation to establish the exact cause of the fire and determine any possible violations of safety and transportation regulations.
The GNFS has reiterated the need for strict compliance with laws governing the transportation of hazardous materials, warning that negligence in storage and conveyance poses serious risks to lives, property, and public safety.
