Preliminary investigations by the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) have revealed that excessive speeding and improper overtaking led to the severe accident along the Dzorwulu–Accra Mall stretch of the N1 highway.
The tragic incident resulted in the death of one of the young victims, who succumbed to injuries whilst receiving emergency care at the Police Hospital.
The child was among 11 lower primary pupils rushed to health facilities following the collision. The minor passed away in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
The deceased and ten other children, aged between three and ten years old, were travelling in a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter bus when the crash occurred.
Speaking on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, ADO I Alex King Nartey, a member of the GNFS Public Relations Department, stated that the children were returning from Ashaiman towards Accra, dispelling earlier reports that they were on a school excursion.
According to him, the crash occurred when a loaded tipper truck executed an improper overtaking manoeuvre, causing the heavy vehicle to collide violently into the stationary Sprinter bus.
He explained that the deceased pupil suffered severe fractures to both legs and, despite the medical team’s best efforts, tragically passed away.
ADO I Nartey commended the medical teams at both the Police Hospital and the 37 Military Hospital for working tirelessly to care for the victims, several of whom sustained critical injuries.
He stated that the police are actively investigating the matter and will make their findings public upon conclusion.
He further revealed that the driver of the truck fled the scene following the incident, suggesting he may have done so for fear of being lynched.
However, he urged the driver to turn himself in immediately, noting that it would be in his best interest to report to the police rather than wait to be apprehended.
“The driver of the truck absconded. I don’t know if he was afraid of mob attack. But if he is a man of conscience, he should report himself, because if they track him down and arrest him, he will be in serious trouble,” ADO I Nartey warned.
He added that the remaining pupils are responding to treatment, with two already discharged and another being prepared for surgery.
Regarding the driver of the Sprinter bus, ADO I Nartey explained that he escaped unharmed because he was not in the vehicle at the time of the impact, having stepped away to escort a pupil to their parents.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
