According to a report from Starrfm. A devastating road accident occurred on Sunday, November 10, 2024, on the Accra-Kumasi Highway, resulting in the deaths of at least 16 passengers. The bus, which was traveling along the busy highway, veered off course and crashed after attempting to avoid a pothole. The impact of the collision with a tree caused the vehicle to roll over multiple times, leaving passengers trapped and others thrown from the wreckage.
Eyewitnesses reported a harrowing scene as the bus overturned, with frantic cries for help filling the air. Many passengers, unable to escape, were left trapped inside the mangled vehicle, while others were ejected by the force of the crash. Emergency responders were quickly dispatched to the scene, which was located near the town of Nkawkaw, known for its history of frequent traffic accidents.
Upon arrival, emergency services declared several individuals dead on the spot. Those who survived the initial impact were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment, though many sustained severe injuries. Police and rescue teams worked swiftly to clear the wreckage and assist the injured.
The bus driver, who survived but was critically injured, is currently under investigation. Authorities have raised questions about possible negligence or mechanical failure, with early reports indicating that the driver was speeding in an attempt to adhere to a tight schedule, which may have contributed to the crash.
The Ghana Police Service’s Highway Patrol, along with the Bureau of Accident Investigation, have launched an inquiry into the cause of the accident. Initial findings suggest that the bus, which was heavily loaded with passengers, may have been traveling at an unsafe speed when it lost control.
The bodies of the deceased were transported to Nkawkaw Government Hospital for identification and post-mortem analysis. Many of the injured were also taken to the same hospital, while others were transferred to the Kwahu Tafo Municipal Hospital for medical care.
As investigations continue, the tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by poor road conditions and the urgent need for improved traffic safety measures on the Accra-Kumasi Highway.