Tragedy on Adukrom-Somanya Highway Claims Two Lives.
The Eastern Region of Ghana has once again witnessed a devastating road accident, this time on the Adukrom-Somanya highway. The unfortunate incident, which occurred over the weekend, claimed the lives of two individuals, leaving several others injured and raising concerns about road safety in the region.
According to eyewitnesses, the accident involved a commercial minibus, commonly known as a “trotro,” and a private saloon car. Preliminary investigations by the police suggest that the accident was caused by a head-on collision, attributed to overspeeding and possible human error. The trotro was reportedly carrying passengers to Somanya, while the saloon car was traveling in the opposite direction toward Adukrom.
The Events Leading to the Tragedy
Eyewitnesses recounted that the trotro driver, in an attempt to overtake another vehicle, veered into the lane of the oncoming saloon car. The saloon car driver, unable to avoid the impending collision due to the narrow stretch of the road, collided with the trotro at high speed. The impact was so severe that both vehicles were extensively damaged, with the trotro overturning and trapping several passengers inside.
Emergency services, including personnel from the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana National Fire Service, were called to the scene. Rescue efforts were challenging, as the responders had to use specialized equipment to cut through the mangled vehicles and retrieve the injured passengers.
Unfortunately, two individuals were declared dead at the scene, while others sustained various degrees of injuries. The injured were rushed to the nearby Atua Government Hospital and Somanya Polyclinic for emergency medical care.
Victims and Casualties
While the identities of the deceased have yet to be disclosed, authorities confirmed that one of the victims was a passenger in the trotro, while the other was the driver of the saloon car. Among the injured were women and children, some of whom remain in critical condition at the hospital.
Medical personnel at the Atua Government Hospital have appealed for blood donations to aid the injured, as the facility faces a shortage of blood supplies. Relatives of the victims have been urged to remain calm and provide support to the medical team to ensure the best possible care for their loved ones.
Community Reactions
The accident has sent shockwaves throughout the communities of Adukrom and Somanya. Residents have expressed their grief and frustration over the frequent occurrence of accidents on the highway.
“This highway has become a death trap,” lamented a resident of Somanya. “The road is narrow, and drivers often overspeed. It’s time the authorities intervened to save lives.”
Another resident called for stricter enforcement of road safety regulations. “We need speed ramps and more road signs to caution drivers. The authorities should also organize periodic training for commercial drivers to ensure they adhere to road safety protocols.”
Road Safety Concerns in the Eastern Region
The Adukrom-Somanya highway is a vital link for commuters in the Eastern Region, connecting various towns and facilitating trade and transportation. However, the road has gained notoriety for accidents, often attributed to overspeeding, reckless driving, and poor road conditions.
Statistics from the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service indicate a worrying trend of road accidents in the Eastern Region, with the Adukrom-Somanya highway accounting for a significant proportion.
Authorities have often cited the need for better road infrastructure and heightened public awareness campaigns on road safety. However, residents believe more needs to be done to address the root causes of these accidents.
Government and Stakeholder Interventions
In response to the growing concerns, the Eastern Regional Road Safety Authority (RSA) has pledged to intensify education campaigns targeting drivers and other road users. The authority has also called for collaboration among stakeholders, including transport unions, traditional leaders, and community members, to promote road safety.
Additionally, the Ghana Highway Authority has announced plans to assess the Adukrom-Somanya highway for potential upgrades, including widening the road and installing speed ramps.
Conclusion
The tragic accident on the Adukrom-Somanya highway is a stark reminder of the need for urgent action to improve road safety in the Eastern Region. While authorities continue to investigate the incident, it is imperative for all stakeholders to prioritize measures that can prevent such occurrences in the future.
As the families of the victims mourn their loss and the injured fight for recovery, this tragedy should serve as a wake-up call for both drivers and authorities to ensure safer roads for all Ghanaians.
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