Tragic Accident Involving Football Team Claims One Life and Leaves 62 Injured in Eastern Region.
The Eastern Region of Ghana was thrown into mourning over the weekend following a devastating road accident that claimed the life of one individual and left 62 others critically injured. The incident, involving a bus carrying a local football team, occurred on the Somanya-Koforidua road, a highway that has become notorious for accidents in recent years.
The Accident
According to eyewitness accounts, the team, consisting of players, coaches, and supporters, was returning to their hometown after participating in a friendly match in Koforidua. The bus, which was reportedly overloaded, veered off the road and overturned after the driver lost control while navigating a sharp curve.
Initial investigations by the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service suggest that the accident may have been caused by brake failure. The driver allegedly struggled to bring the vehicle to a halt, but the bus eventually skidded off the road and landed in a ditch.
Emergency responders, including the Ghana Police Service, Ghana National Fire Service, and personnel from the National Ambulance Service, were called to the scene. They worked tirelessly to rescue the trapped passengers and transport the injured to nearby hospitals, including the Eastern Regional Hospital in Koforidua and the Atua Government Hospital in Somanya.
Casualties and Injuries
The accident claimed the life of one passenger, a team supporter, who was pronounced dead at the scene. The injured included players, team officials, and other supporters, many of whom sustained severe injuries such as fractures, head trauma, and lacerations.
Medical authorities have reported that some of the injured remain in critical condition, requiring urgent surgeries and specialized care. A senior medical officer at the Eastern Regional Hospital has appealed to the public for blood donations to help save the lives of those in critical condition.
Community and Family Reactions
The news of the accident has left the football community and families of the victims in shock and despair. Many parents and relatives rushed to the hospitals upon hearing about the incident, anxiously seeking updates on their loved ones.
“This is a tragedy for our entire community,” said a relative of one of the injured players. “These boys were full of life and were pursuing their dreams through football. This accident is heartbreaking.”
Members of the local football association also expressed their condolences and pledged to support the affected team and their families during this difficult time.
Concerns Over Road Safety and Vehicle Maintenance
The tragic incident has reignited debates about road safety and vehicle maintenance in Ghana. Many residents of the Eastern Region have raised concerns over the safety of vehicles used for long-distance travel, particularly those transporting large groups such as sports teams and students.
“It’s common to see poorly maintained buses being used to transport people, especially in rural areas,” a concerned resident noted. “Drivers and transport operators must prioritize safety over profit.”
Statistics from the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) indicate that road accidents remain a leading cause of injuries and deaths in Ghana, with human error, mechanical faults, and poor road conditions being the primary contributors.
Calls for Action
In light of the accident, stakeholders have called for urgent measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Key recommendations include:
1. Regular Vehicle Maintenance: Transport operators and team managers must ensure that all vehicles undergo routine maintenance checks before embarking on long journeys.
2. Driver Training and Licensing: Drivers must be adequately trained and certified, with emphasis on safe driving practices, particularly when carrying large groups.
3. Overloading Prevention: Authorities must enforce laws against overloading vehicles, as it compromises stability and increases the risk of accidents.
4. Road Infrastructure Improvements: The government should prioritize the repair and expansion of roads, especially in accident-prone areas like the Somanya-Koforidua highway.
5. Emergency Preparedness: Communities and local authorities should be equipped with emergency response resources to provide immediate assistance during accidents.
Government Response
The Eastern Regional Minister has expressed condolences to the bereaved family and pledged government support for the injured and their families. The minister also assured the public that an investigation into the accident will be conducted to identify its exact cause and implement preventive measures.
Meanwhile, the National Sports Authority (NSA) has called on all sports associations to adhere to strict safety protocols when organizing travel for teams.
Conclusion
The tragic accident involving the football team on the Somanya-Koforidua road is a grim reminder of the urgent need for improved road safety measures in Ghana. As families and the football community mourn the loss of one life and pray for the recovery of the injured, this incident should serve as a wake-up call for all stakeholders to prioritize safety on the nation’s roads.
With collaborative efforts from government agencies, transport operators, and the general public, it is possible to reduce the frequency of such tragic occurrences and ensure safer travels for all Ghanaians.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0