4 Dead, Over 20 Injured in Ghastly Accident on Takoradi-Accra Road
In a tragic turn of events, four lives were lost, and over 20 people sustained varying degrees of injuries in a horrifying road accident on the Takoradi-Accra highway late Friday evening. The incident occurred near Beposo, a few kilometers from Shama Junction in the Western Region.
According to eyewitness accounts, the accident involved a passenger bus traveling from Takoradi to Accra and a heavily loaded cargo truck headed in the opposite direction. Initial investigations suggest that the driver of the cargo truck lost control after a suspected brake failure, causing the vehicle to veer into the lane of the oncoming bus. The collision resulted in a devastating impact that left the bus mangled and the truck overturned.
Rescue Efforts
First responders, including personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), police, and local volunteers, rushed to the scene. Using heavy-duty cutting tools, they worked tirelessly to extricate passengers trapped in the wreckage. Eyewitnesses described the scene as heart-wrenching, with cries for help echoing through the night.
Paramedics from the National Ambulance Service transported the injured to the Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital and the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital for urgent medical attention. Reports indicate that the conditions of some of the injured are critical, raising fears that the death toll may rise.
Police Report
The Western Regional Commander of the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), Superintendent Kwesi Ofori, confirmed the fatalities and expressed condolences to the bereaved families. He urged motorists to adhere to road safety regulations, particularly during the festive season, when road traffic increases significantly.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the accident could have been prevented if the cargo truck had undergone regular maintenance. “This is a tragic reminder of the consequences of neglecting vehicle maintenance,” Superintendent Ofori stated.
Eyewitness Accounts
One of the survivors, 34-year-old Joseph Mensah, recounted the harrowing experience. “I was seated at the back when we suddenly saw the truck swerving towards us. Before I could understand what was happening, there was a loud crash, and I lost consciousness,” he said from his hospital bed.
Local residents have called on authorities to install speed ramps and increase police patrols on the Takoradi-Accra highway, citing frequent accidents on this stretch of road.
Government Response
In a statement released by the Ministry of Roads and Highways, the government expressed its condolences to the victims and pledged to address the recurring road safety challenges. The ministry also announced plans to intensify road safety education and enforce regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Call for Road Safety
This latest accident adds to the growing concerns about road safety in Ghana. Statistics from the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) reveal that over 2,000 lives were lost to road accidents in 2024 alone, with most attributed to human error and mechanical failure.
As investigations continue, families of the deceased and injured are appealing for support to navigate this challenging time.
The public is reminded to prioritize safety and adhere to road traffic regulations to avert further tragedies.
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