Inferno on Accra-Kumasi Highway: Fuel Tanker Explodes After Colliding with STC Bus at Birim

A devastating road crash involving an STC passenger bus, a fuel tanker, a pickup truck and another private vehicle has left a trail of destruction on the Accra-Kumasi Highway at Birim in the Eastern Region.

The tragic incident occurred at about 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 3, 2026, causing a massive explosion that engulfed the vehicles in flames and brought traffic on the busy highway to a standstill.

According to eyewitnesses, the fuel tanker rammed into the rear of the STC bus while both vehicles were travelling along the highway. The tanker driver reportedly attempted to avoid the collision but lost control of the vehicle.

The tanker veered off the road and plunged into a nearby ditch before erupting into a huge fireball. The explosion rapidly spread, setting the tanker and nearby vehicles ablaze. Thick smoke billowed into the sky as passengers and nearby residents fled for safety.

When Radio 1 News arrived at the scene, the STC bus had been extensively burnt, while a pickup truck and another vehicle were reduced to twisted metal. Thick black smoke continued to rise from the wreckage as firefighters battled the raging flames and emergency personnel worked to rescue victims and secure the area.

Photographs from the scene show the STC bus extensively burnt, a pickup truck reduced to a charred shell, and another vehicle crushed beyond recognition by the impact. The force of the explosion also scorched nearby vegetation, while debris from the crash was scattered across the road.

Personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service responded swiftly to the emergency and worked tirelessly to contain the blaze, while other emergency responders carried out rescue and recovery operations.

The extent of the damage has made it difficult to immediately identify one of the vehicles involved, and authorities are yet to officially confirm the number of casualties or injuries.

The accident caused severe traffic congestion on the Accra-Kumasi Highway, leaving hundreds of motorists stranded for several hours as emergency teams worked to clear the wreckage.

Police have launched investigations into the cause of the crash, while motorists have been advised to exercise caution when using the stretch of the highway.

By: Paulina Armah/ Radio1.