Tragic Road Accident on Accra-Kumasi Highway Claims Seven Lives
Ghana witnessed a heart-wrenching road accident today, November 26, 2024, on the Accra-Kumasi highway near Obretema. The collision involved a VIP bus traveling from Tamale to Accra and a fuel tanker that had veered into the opposite lane. The crash occurred at around 4:30 AM and resulted in the loss of seven lives—five men and two women—who were pronounced dead at the scene.
The Incident
According to reports, the tanker collided with the bus after crossing into its lane, leading to a devastating impact. Both vehicles somersaulted and ended up in a ditch. The intensity of the collision left the bus mangled, making rescue efforts challenging. Emergency services, including personnel from the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana National Fire Service, arrived promptly to assist with evacuations.
Eyewitness accounts described a chaotic scene, with survivors trapped in the wreckage. The National Ambulance Service transported several injured passengers to the Suhum Government Hospital for urgent medical attention. Unfortunately, some passengers sustained life-threatening injuries, and their conditions remain critical.
Response from Authorities
The Suhum Motor Transport and Traffic Department has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the accident. Preliminary findings suggest driver error or mechanical failure could be factors, but the exact cause is yet to be confirmed. Authorities have also called on families of travelers who were on the bus to visit the hospital for identification of the deceased and to support injured victims.
Fire Service spokesperson ADO1 Opare Akonnor stated, “We dispatched a team immediately after receiving the distress call. While we rescued several passengers, the exact number of injured is still unclear.” Police officers managed traffic to ease congestion on the busy highway while coordinating the removal of the wreckage.
Ghana’s Rising Road Safety Concerns
This incident adds to the growing list of road accidents in Ghana, highlighting persistent road safety issues. Ghana’s highways, including the Accra-Kumasi route, are notorious for frequent and often fatal accidents. Over the past month alone, several deadly crashes have been reported, including the collision at Dabaa-Akropong and the tragic incident near Kwapia, which claimed 13 lives.
Experts attribute these accidents to various factors, including reckless driving, poor road infrastructure, lack of enforcement of traffic laws, and mechanical failures. Despite Ghana having robust road safety regulations, enforcement remains a challenge. Transport consultant Cecil Garbrah recently criticized the country’s inability to implement its Legislative Instrument (LI) 2180, which governs road safety measures.
Garbrah lamented the widespread disregard for traffic laws, citing examples such as vehicles overtaking dangerously and drivers ignoring traffic lights due to the absence of consistent police monitoring. “We have the laws, but the major issue is enforcement,” he said, urging the authorities to deploy more resources toward road safety campaigns and stricter law enforcement.
Impact on Families and the Community
The Obretema accident has left a profound impact on the families of the victims and the community at large. Many are mourning the loss of loved ones while others anxiously await news about the injured. The tragedy has also reignited discussions about improving Ghana’s road infrastructure and ensuring accountability among road users.
Moving Forward
As investigations continue, the Ghana Police Service and the National Road Safety Authority are being urged to intensify efforts to reduce road accidents. Public education campaigns, routine vehicle inspections, and stricter penalties for traffic violations could help address the alarming trend. Furthermore, investments in road infrastructure, such as widening highways and adding protective barriers, are necessary to improve safety on Ghana’s roads.
Today’s tragic accident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for action. It calls for collaboration between the government, transport unions, and the public to ensure safer travel for all Ghanaians. Until then, families and communities continue to bear the heavy toll of these preventable tragedies.
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Let me know if you’d like to discuss any particular aspect of road safety in Ghana or the specific details of this accident.
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