A fiery incident in Asufufu, Bono Region, Ghana, on Wednesday evening has reignited concerns about safety protocols at gas stations across the country. A gas station fire erupted, engulfing a nearby residential building and three vehicles.
Blaze Erupts, Firefighters Respond
The fire broke out around 8:00 pm at a gas station in Asufufu. According to reports, a taxi cab caught fire while being refueled. The flames quickly spread to a gas tanker discharging fuel at the station and other nearby vehicles.
Thankfully, firefighters from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) arrived promptly and battled the blaze for approximately three hours. Their swift response prevented the fire from spreading further and causing additional damage or injuries.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the GNFS. However, initial assessments by Bono Regional Commander ACFO Olivia Ayem point to a potential safety lapse.
“Our initial findings indicate that the gas tanker was discharging fuel while the station attendant was simultaneously refueling the taxi cab,” ACFO Ayem explained. “Safety regulations prohibit these processes from happening at the same time.”
Safety Lapses in Focus
ACFO Ayem emphasized the importance of adhering to established safety protocols during fuel discharge and refueling. She highlighted the role of the gas station attendant and tanker driver in following proper procedures.
“The attendant and tanker driver should have consulted GNFS officials to supervise the discharge process,” ACFO Ayem said. “Their involvement could have potentially prevented this incident from happening in the first place.”
The Bono Regional Manager of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Mr. Kwadwo Odarno Appiah, also visited the scene and initiated an investigation. His team is focusing on potential disregard for safety measures observed at some gas stations.
“We’ve launched our own investigation,” Mr. Appiah said. “There have been concerning reports of gas stations ignoring safety protocols during fuel discharge and refueling. This fire serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences.”
Mr. Appiah did not elaborate on specific safety measures that may have been disregarded. However, his comments suggest the NPA will be looking into standard operating procedures for gas station operations in the Bono Region.
The fire caused significant damage to the gas station, the residential building, and the vehicles involved. While there were no reported injuries, the incident has left the local community shaken.
Community Reeling After Fire
Residents are understandably concerned about the safety of gas stations in their neighborhoods. The fire serves as a wake-up call for both gas station operators and regulatory bodies like the NPA.
The Ghana National Fire Service and the National Petroleum Authority have a crucial role to play in ensuring the safety of gas stations across Ghana. Strict enforcement of safety regulations, coupled with public awareness campaigns, can help prevent similar incidents in the future.
This incident underscores the importance of prioritizing safety at gas stations. The well-being of both gas station workers and the surrounding community depends on adherence to established protocols and ongoing vigilance.
Source: Graphic Online
