Kumasi, Oct. 14, GNA 96 A heavily loaded Niger bound articulated truck heading from Tema spilled substantial quantities of acid it had on board when it was involved in an accident in Kumasi in the early hours of Saturday.

The whole area of Anloga-junction around the Oforikrom traffic light in Kumasi where the accident occurred was engulfed in smoke that emanated from a chemical reaction sparked by the acid spillage on the street and cement papers as well as refrigerators, which were all on board were thrown on the streets following the accident. When the GNA got to the scene, personnel from th e Kumasi metropolitan fire service were seen making frantic efforts to bring the smoke and pockets of flames on some portions of the streets under control. Ibrahim Seini, the 56 year old driver who spoke to the GNA through an interpreter, explained that the accident occurred whiles negotiating a curve at the Anloga junction section of the Kumasi-Accra road, when in an attempt to save a taxi cab, which crossed him, he swerved to the left side resulting in the truck falling on its side sending everything on board tumbling down on the streets.

He then managed to come out with his mate and they rushed to safety. They both escaped unhurt.

Mr Carzon M'bah, Assistant Fire Officer at the KMA fire station, said, looking at the situation, the personnel of the Service were on standby to deal with any emergencies. He said considering the health risk posed by the spillage, he had called on the police to evacuate traders and people from the area. The Oforikorm Police confirmed this and said the police were doing everything to protect life and property at the scene.