Tragedy struck the Aboabo community in the Asokore Mampong Municipality on Tuesday afternoon when a reckless vehicular accident claimed the lives of four primary school pupils and left three others severely injured.
The victims, all eight-year-old learners from the Akotosu School of Islamic Studies, were waiting along the walkway to cross the busy stretch after school hours when disaster occurred.
According to eyewitnesses, a Hyundai commercial van traveling from the Aboabo Post Office direction toward the Airport Roundabout suddenly went out of control while descending a hill. The vehicle veered off its lane, mounted the pavement, and plowed into the group of children.
The deceased have been identified as Juraid Mohammed, Anisah Ibrahim, Fati Muniru, and Raiyan Faisal. Medical personnel at the Manhyia District Hospital pronounced them dead upon arrival.
Among the survivors, 12-year-old Laila Muniru and five-year-old Bushira Musapha suffered severe injuries and were quickly transferred to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital for emergency care. The third surviving pupil, six-year-old Saisa Bila, remains under treatment at the Manhyia District Hospital, where doctors describe her condition as stable.
Officers from the Airport District Police Command arrived swiftly to control the swelling crowd, restore traffic flow, and secure the area. The driver has been detained to assist with ongoing investigations, while the impounded vehicle sits at the station for forensic inspection.
In line with Islamic rites, the remains of the four young victims were handed over to their grieving families on Wednesday morning for burial.
The horrific crash has ignited widespread outcry over pedestrian safety, especially near educational institutions situated along major thoroughfares. Reacting to the disaster, the headmaster of the school, Bawa Abdul-Rahman, urged the Asokore Mampong Municipal Assembly to urgently erect a pedestrian footbridge at the blackspot to prevent further loss of innocent lives.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana