The Public Relations Officer of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), ADO1 Alex King Nartey, has raised concerns over the fire risks associated with a viral video showing a driver’s mate cooking jollof rice inside a moving truck.
The video shows the driver’s mate preparing food inside the moving vehicle, apparently using an LPG cylinder and cooking utensils while the truck is on the road.
While the video has attracted amusement and commentary online, ADO1 Nartey warned that cooking with an LPG cylinder inside a moving vehicle poses serious fire and safety risks.
According to him, firefighters responding to truck fires often discover LPG cylinders and other cooking equipment inside the vehicles.
He said in some cases, the quantity of equipment found is enough to operate a small chop bar.
ADO1 Nartey explained that having an LPG cylinder with an active flame inside a moving vehicle, alongside combustible materials, petrol or diesel and engine oil, creates a potentially dangerous combination that could result in a fire or explosion.
He added that such practices could endanger not only the driver and passengers but also other road users and firefighters who may respond to an incident.
The GNFS PRO said roadworthiness and vehicle safety checks should pay greater attention to dangerous or inappropriate items being carried in commercial trucks, particularly those that could significantly increase fire risks.
He urged the public and commercial vehicle operators to take fire safety seriously and avoid preventable hazards before firefighters are called to respond.