The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has disclosed that it is collaborating with the Ghana Police Service (GPS) to determine the exact cause of a fatal accident at the Ofankor Barrier on the Accra–Kumasi Highway.
The disaster occurred on Thursday morning when a heavy-duty tipper truck collided head-on with a Sprinter minibus, leaving 11 people confirmed dead at the scene. Several other victims sustained severe injuries and were rushed to various health facilities for emergency medical treatment.
Speaking in an interview on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM’s flagship news programme Nyankonton Mu Nsem, Divisional Officer Grade I (DO1) Emmanuel Bonney, a Public Relations Officer for the GNFS, revealed that 13 of the injured passengers were transported to the Achimota Hospital for urgent medical care.
Addressing the potential cause of the crash, the fire officer noted that it was too early to draw conclusions, pointing out that eyewitnesses on the scene had provided conflicting accounts of how the disaster unfolded. He explained that while various reports are circulating, the two security services must conduct a full investigation to establish the actual cause.
“The cause of the accident is not readily known. There are several eyewitness accounts, so we want to collaborate with the Police and investigate the cause of the accident. We do not want to speculate. We will therefore admonish the public to exercise patience as we investigate the matter to determine the exact cause of the accident,” he stated.
He further emphasised the conflicting nature of the statements gathered so far, noting that every account will be thoroughly scrutinised.
“The accounts we have received regarding the accident are contradictory. We will therefore examine all the accounts and determine which ones are authentic. As I said, we will examine all the accounts. We have also heard reports of a hit-and-run, which is yet to be verified. The number of fatalities remains 11,” he added.
DO1 Emmanuel Bonney expressed regret over the recent surge in deadly road crashes across the country, underscoring the urgent need for motorists to maintain discipline on the roads. He cautioned drivers against speeding, reckless overtaking, and driving while fatigued.
“I will admonish drivers to curb speeding and improper overtaking to end these deadly crashes. Speeding and reckless overtaking bring nothing good, only tragic accidents. We all have a responsibility in preventing disasters on our roads. Drivers who are exhausted must rest and avoid driving, as their actions could cause fatal accidents,” he advised.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana