Chemical and fuel explosions cause casualties in Ghana and Zambia

A series of industrial accidents involving hazardous materials has resulted in casualties in West and Southern Africa.

In the Nadowli-Kaleo District of Ghana's Upper West Region, a truck driver sustained severe chemical burns after a vehicle transporting 35 containers of hydrogen peroxide caught fire and exploded. The Ghana National Fire Service responded to the scene at Goriyiri to contain the chemical hazards and bring the fire under control. The driver was hospitalized, though their specific condition has not been released.

In Lusaka, Zambia, an explosion occurred at a fuel transfer site in the Industrial Area during the decanting of diesel. The incident, involving the transfer of approximately 25,000 litres of fuel between tankers, resulted in the death of 43-year-old driver Kondanani Phiri. Two other workers sustained severe burns and remain hospitalized at Matero Level One Hospital. Police are investigating the cause of the explosion.