Tanker explosion at Kaase in Kumasi renders many homeless

Firefighters battled an intense blaze that emanated from a fuel tanker at the Kaase Industrial Area in Kumasi on Friday.

The affected area is alleged to be a hideout for individuals engaged in illegal fuel siphoning activities.

Eyewitnesses say some individuals were using gallons to siphon fuel from the tanker at a hideout when it went into flames.

The fire spread to an abandoned factory in the area. About 50 make-shift structures occupied by squatters were burnt completely.

Four fire tenders arrived at the scene timely, to bring the situation under control.

Kaase Fire www.myjoyonline.com
The fuel tanker in flames

While the individuals were engaged in the illegal operation, a tricycle whose engine was running nearby, emitted sparks which caused the explosion.

Kaase Fire www.myjoyonline.com
Residents helping to douse the fire

Ashanti Regional Fire Commander, Rashid Nisawu, said the persons engaged in the siphoning of fuel failed in their attempts to douse the fire, which later spread to other parts of the area.

Kaase Fire www.myjoyonline.com
It took personnel of Fire Service several minutes to bring the fire under control
Kaase Fire www.myjoyonline.com
It was late for victims to salvage personal belongings

No casualty has been recorded but a number of families have been displaced.

Kaase Fire www.myjoyonline.com
Victims count their loss

The Fire Service Command wants Police support to curtail the illegal fuel siphoning activities in the area.

Source: myjoyonline.com