A devastating fatal accident occurred on Monday, October 14, 2024, on the Kumasi-Obuasi Highway, resulting in the loss of 13 precious lives. The tragedy unfolded when a VIP bus traveling from Kumasi to Enchi in the Western North Region veered off the road and plunged into a ditch near Kwapia, close to Obuasi.
According to police reports, the bus, registered as ER 2445-11, was carrying passengers from Kumasi to Enchi when the driver lost control while navigating a sharp curve. Eyewitness accounts suggest that the bus was overloaded after picking up stranded passengers from another bus that had broken down along the route.
The overloaded bus skidded off the road and into the ditch, causing catastrophic damage and claiming multiple lives. Police confirmed that 11 passengers died instantly at the scene, while another passenger succumbed to injuries at the hospital.
The driver, identified as Osei Adu, was rushed to the hospital for treatment but tragically passed away shortly after arrival due to the severity of his injuries. The deceased included seven males, five females, and a child, all of whom were passengers on board the ill-fated bus.
Two police officers who were on the bus on escort duties also sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment. Their condition remains critical, and authorities are monitoring their progress closely.
Emergency services, including police and fire personnel, responded swiftly to the scene, rescuing survivors and transporting the injured to nearby hospitals. The prompt response helped minimize further casualties.
The cause of the accident is still under investigation, but preliminary reports suggest that the combination of overloading and reckless driving contributed to the devastating outcome.
The Kumasi-Obuasi Highway has witnessed numerous accidents in recent years, raising concerns about road safety and driver responsibility. Authorities have pledged to increase patrols and enforcement to prevent such tragedies.
The Western North Region has declared a state of mourning, with local leaders and residents expressing condolences to the families of the deceased. Support services have been mobilized to assist the bereaved.
As investigations continue, the nation mourns the loss of 13 innocent lives, emphasizing the need for vigilance and responsible behavior on the country’s roads to prevent future tragedies.
