Three persons have drowned in an underground fuel tank belonging to Ghana Cocoa Board at Effiduase in the Eastern Region.
The three were outsourced for maintenance work on the leaking underground fuel tank. However, within a space of about 10 minutes, their lives were taken in their attempt to empty the tank for the task at hand.
Personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) rushed to the scene to retrieve the trapped bodies before depositing them at the St Joseph Hospital.
Eastern Regional Fire Commander ACFO1, Jennifer Naa Yarley Quaye, says preliminary assessment indicates there was negligence with regard to safety.
“We got an emergency call after 11:00am this morning. We responded in time because it was not far from our office and no traffic on the road. We had to use rope to pull them out.”
She added: “It was a negligent situation that could have been avoided if they took safety measures seriously. We advise private individuals and organisations to link up with experts when they need to work on leaked fuel tanks or clean them.”
The New Juaben North National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) officer, Darlington Tabi, confirmed the death.
He observed safety precautionary measures were not adhered to.
“I can confirm three lives were lost. Fire personnel, ambulance and everyone got on board to retrieve them. We want to advise people who engage in such services to use PPEs.”
The New Juaben North Municipal Environmental Officer, Daniel Kwaku Darku, advised organisations to use experts and allied government agencies for maintenance work.
He says the place would be cordoned off until investigation ends.
“The place was deep, there was no ventilation. They could not breathe well. That probably caused them. Diesel and water mixed together deep down there.”
Police has begun investigation into the incident.
By Yvonne Neequaye|editors.3news.com|Ghana
