A horrific multiple-vehicle accident occurred at Atafoa in the Bantama Constituency of Ghana's Ashanti Region, involving a Toyota Corolla, a charcoal truck, a Highlander, and a tricycle. The accident resulted in one person being critically injured. The vehicles were badly damaged, and traffic on the busy Atafoa stretch came to a standstill.
The accident happened after a head-on collision between the Toyota Corolla and the charcoal truck. The Corolla, with registration number ER 350-15, reportedly crashed into the charcoal truck, registered 6796-V, which was loaded with charcoal. Eyewitnesses stated that the Corolla driver was allegedly speeding and attempting a dangerous overtaking manoeuvre when he veered into the opposite lane and collided with the oncoming truck.
The devastating impact sent the vehicles crashing into others nearby, including a Highlander and a tricycle, leaving the tricycle and the other vehicles damaged. The driver of the Corolla suffered serious injuries and became trapped in the mangled vehicle for several minutes. He was eventually rescued by passers-by, who reportedly struggled to pull him out of the wreckage before rushing him to hospital.
The accident triggered a massive traffic gridlock, as the wreckage blocked the road, leaving motorists and commuters stranded for several hours. The driver of the Corolla's condition was described as critical. Authorities have not released further information on the accident.
Eyewitnesses Mr. Morgan Annor and Mr. Alfred Agyei expressed worry over the recurring accidents on the Atafoa stretch. They blamed the frequent accidents on excessive speeding and the absence of speed ramps and adequate road signs to regulate motorists' movements.
According to the eyewitnesses, several lives had been lost and properties destroyed through previous accidents on the same stretch, but the authorities had failed to take concrete measures to address the situation. They appealed to the Ghana Highway Authority, the Bantama Member of Parliament, and the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly to urgently install speed ramps and appropriate road signs to prevent further carnage.
The eyewitnesses also warned motorists against reckless driving, urging them to reduce their speed, particularly when approaching the Atafoa Junction, to avert further loss of lives and destruction of property. The accident is under investigation, and further details are awaited.
Key points
- The accident involved a Toyota Corolla, a charcoal truck, a Highlander, and a tricycle.
- The driver of the Corolla was critically injured and received medical attention.
- Eyewitnesses called for the installation of speed ramps and road signs to prevent future accidents.
Reporting sources
- One Critically Injured In Atafoa Multi-Car Crash · Daily Guide