The Ghana National Fire Service has confirmed that two people died following a microlight aircraft crash at Tema Community One, with emergency responders successfully containing the situation and preventing further casualties.
Speaking on the Asaase Breakfast Show on (17 March), Divisional Officer II Desmond Ackah, Head of Public Relations at the Fire Service, said the distress call was received at exactly 2:59pm on the day of the incident.
He described the day as “unfortunate,” noting that firefighters were swiftly deployed to the scene despite logistical challenges.
According to him, personnel managed both fire suppression and rescue operations, including retrieving the bodies of the two male occupants from the wreckage of the microlight aircraft.
“We were able to manage the incident successfully and retrieved the two affected bodies, which were handed over to the police for autopsy and further investigations,” he said.
Ackah noted that although the identities of the victims were not immediately known, preliminary information indicates the aircraft had two adult males on board.
He added that eyewitnesses who arrived at the scene ahead of emergency responders played a crucial role in evacuating nearby residents, including individuals within a school compound close to the crash site.
“Aside the two fatalities that we recorded, nobody else was affected,” he said, attributing this to timely intervention and coordinated response efforts.
He further disclosed that a joint team comprising the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, the Fire Service, police, and other relevant agencies has commenced investigations into the cause of the crash.
While stressing the Service’s readiness to handle such emergencies, Ackah highlighted the need for modern firefighting equipment to enhance operational efficiency.
“We have always been prepared through simulation exercises with relevant institutions, but we are still expecting modern equipment promised by government to help us carry out our mandate effectively,” he said.
He also commended the level of coordination among emergency agencies, including collaboration with the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, which he described as “superb.”
According to him, the swift cordoning off of the area and proactive measures taken by responders helped prevent possible secondary explosions and protected adjoining properties.
“We warded off the public and prevented escalation. Apart from the two persons who lost their lives, no other person was injured,” he added.
Meanwhile, Ackah confirmed a separate incident involving a fuel tanker that caught fire at Potsin Junction in the Central Region.
He said firefighters from Apam, Kasoa, and a private water tanker service were deployed to the scene after the tanker, which was carrying petrol, overturned and burst into flames.
The fire spread to nearby property but has since been extinguished, with efforts ongoing to fully contain the tanker fire.
“It is too early to declare whether there are injuries or fatalities, but we will provide updates as more information becomes available,” he said.
He extended condolences to the families of the victims of the aircraft crash and assured the public that investigations would establish the cause of the incident.
