Car engulfed in flames on Ashaiman overpass

A vehicle caught fire on the Ashaiman overpass in Tema, sending thick plumes of smoke into the air and drawing the attention of motorists and pedestrians.

The incident caused brief panic and traffic disruptions as firefighters rushed to the scene to bring the situation under control.

The car, a 2025-registered Nissan Cube, was completely engulfed in flames when eyewitnesses first noticed it. Videos shared on social media showed the vehicle burning fiercely as the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) arrived to battle the blaze. Fire officers worked swiftly to extinguish the fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby vehicles or parts of the overpass structure.

One eyewitness recounted the moment the fire began, saying, “I saw the car suddenly catch fire while moving across the overpass. The smoke was thick, and it looked dangerous. People were panicking.”

According to officials, the GNFS team acted promptly upon receiving the emergency call. “Our team responded immediately to prevent further damage or injury. Thankfully, no lives were lost, and the fire was contained in time,” a fire officer told reporters at the scene. Their swift response helped avert what could have been a much larger disaster on one of Tema’s busiest routes.

Traffic came to a standstill for several minutes as drivers stopped to observe and record the incident, while others diverted to alternate routes. “It was chaotic for a while. The traffic was heavy because people were slowing down to see what was happening. But the fire service handled it quickly,” another commuter said.

Authorities have yet to determine the exact cause of the fire. Preliminary assessments suggest it could be due to a mechanical or electrical fault, though investigations are ongoing.

Many Ghanaians took to social media to commend the fire service for their efficiency while urging drivers to ensure regular car checks to prevent similar incidents.

Residents and witnesses also called for more public education on how to respond safely during such emergencies, noting that timely intervention by the GNFS prevented what could have been a tragic outcome.