Tragic East Legon Accident: The Events Leading to a Fatal Collision
Source: 3News, November 1, 2024
A 16-year-old, unlicensed driver caused a tragic accident in East Legon on October 12, 2024, after taking his mother’s Jaguar F-Pace for a drive. The accident claimed the lives of two young girls and left multiple victims injured, sparking national outrage and raising questions about youth access to vehicles and road safety.
The young driver, who lives in Adjiringanor, Accra, reportedly had regular access to family vehicles, often driving despite his lack of a valid license. On the day of the incident, his family had organized a birthday celebration for his older brother at an event center in East Legon. During the event, the 16-year-old asked for the keys to his mother’s car, which were with a personal assistant to his brother. She handed them over, and he took the car out with a friend, driving to the nearby A&C Mall, where they met more friends who had arrived in two other SUVs.
The group, now in a convoy, began driving through East Legon with the 16-year-old leading in the Jaguar. The young driver reportedly decided to showcase the speed of the car, accelerating through the Dzane-Ashie Road. As he approached a T-junction at Mensah Wood Avenue, he failed to slow down, speeding into the intersection where he collided with an Acura SUV driven by Joseph Ackah.
The force of the collision sent both vehicles crashing across the road into a wall and an electricity pole, igniting a fire. Ackah’s vehicle was carrying his employer’s two daughters—a toddler and a 12-year-old—as well as their two friends, Maame Dwomoh Boateng and Justine Agbenu, both 12 years old. Following the crash, Ackah managed to open his door and escape the burning car, though not without suffering injuries. Bystanders, attempting to help, managed to rescue the toddler and her sister from the wreckage, but tragically, they could not free Maame and Justine, who were trapped as the flames intensified.
The accused and all surviving victims were rushed to the hospital with various injuries. The police investigation later found that the teenager’s reckless driving had directly endangered the lives of others. Witness statements and forensic evidence showed he had driven negligently, posing a clear hazard to other road users.
Based on these findings, the Attorney-General’s office has recommended that the minor face charges including manslaughter, negligently causing harm, dangerous driving, and driving without a license.
The accident has underscored the need for stricter enforcement around youth driving and parental responsibility, as well as enhanced public awareness of road safety. As the legal process unfolds, the case serves as a sobering reminder of the potentially tragic consequences of unregulated access to powerful vehicles.
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