Driver suffers severe burns as truck carrying hydrogen peroxide catches fire at Goriyiri

A truck driver has been hospitalised with severe chemical burns after the long vehicle he was driving caught fire and exploded at Goriyiri in the Nadowli-Kaleo District of the Upper West Region.

According to Citi Newsroom, which cited an incident report from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), the vehicle was carrying 35 large industrial containers, known as intermediate bulk containers, which reportedly held hydrogen peroxide.

A five-member crew from the GNFS Upper West Regional Command, led by ASTNO Balagee, was sent to the scene. The firefighters assessed the site, identified the hazards posed by the chemical cargo and worked to contain the situation, the report said.

The driver, who has not been named, was taken to hospital. His condition has not been made public.

The Fire Service has not yet said what caused the fire, how much of the cargo was affected, or how long the scene was closed. The report did not say whether the police are investigating. The exact time of the incident was also not stated; Citi Newsroom first published the report on Wednesday, 28 October.

Hydrogen peroxide is widely used in industry, including in mining, water treatment and bleaching. In concentrated form it is a strong oxidiser that can intensify a fire and cause serious burns to skin, which is why such loads are classed as hazardous goods.

Anyone who comes across damaged or leaking chemical containers by the roadside should keep a safe distance, avoid touching the contents and alert the Ghana National Fire Service on 192 or the national emergency line, 112.

TheSavannaOnline will update this story when the Fire Service releases further details.

Source: Citi Newsroom — https://www.citinewsroom.com/2026/10/upper-west-driver-suffers-severe-burns-as-hydrogen-peroxide-truck-explodes/